VICTORIA, BC, Sept. 9,
2024 /CNW/ - The recent unprovoked attacks in
Vancouver which left one person
deceased and another injured, and other violent crimes involving
repeat offenders, has once again prompted questions about the
effectiveness of B.C.'s public safety continuum, and the safety and
security of British Columbians. The individual responsible for this
tragedy had over 60 police interactions across Metro Vancouver,
including with RCMP and municipal police, and had been previously
released.
This incident comes just days after RCMP Members in Nanaimo apprehended a subject who was
threatening residents with a machete while also out on bail, as
well as a drive-by shooting in Coquitlam last week believed to involve
suspects known to police. The powers of police are limited; and the
need for smart, progressive bail solutions has never been more
clear.
An August 2024 survey by
Pollara Strategic Insights indicates that 82% of British Columbians
are concerned about repeat offenders in their community and feel
the current government has not adequately addressed this growing
issue. 86% of all respondents agree that it should be more
difficult for repeat offenders to be granted bail.
The current 'catch and release' system and lack of data-informed
processes, supports, and monitoring compromises public safety
across Canada, and increases
safety risks for Members of the RCMP, and all police.
"There are too many people who have histories of repeated
serious criminal offenses being released and without safeguards,
which challenges and frustrates our Members and is having horrific
impacts on community safety." says NPF President and CEO
Brian Sauvé. "We thank our Members,
and all police and first responders who have been dealing with
these ongoing challenges for years."
"Fact-based solutions are attainable, but they require increased
attention and resources in the public safety continuum to ensure
that bail-related decisions are informed and sound, and those
suffering from mental health issues can get the help they need,
while also keeping the public safe."
Public safety is a top priority for British Columbians, and the
NPF has been calling for a robust public safety plan that includes
smart bail reform initiatives. A related report titled Smart
Bail Initiatives: A Progressive Approach to Reforming Canada's Bail
System urges governments across Canada to take meaningful action now by
enacting the NPF's bail reform solutions which prioritize data
collection and analysis, improved post-bail monitoring, and
community-oriented solutions.
The NPF has launched a pre-election program urging any new
government to deliver on a fulsome public safety plan including
bail reform to ensure our Members and all police officers have the
tools and resources they need to ensure British Columbians once
again feel safe in their own homes and communities.
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP
Members serving across Canada and
internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public
safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for
much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This
includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as
well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing
supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities
we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information about Our BC RCMP, please visit:
https://ourbcrcmp.ca
SOURCE National Police Federation