The B.C. Liberal government is adding new resources to clamp down on gangs and gun crime. Since 2002 we’ve added over 1,100 more police officers across B.C., including 168 more police and 10 prosecutors specifically to go after gangs and guns. New police task forces have been created, and communities are receiving new resources through traffic fine revenue sharing. New innovations like the Community Court in Vancouver are trying to address root causes of crime like homelessness and addiction. The new Civil Forfeiture law is hitting criminals in the pocketbook by seizing assets to put towards victim services.
Challenges and Opportunities:
All British Columbians deserve to feel safe and secure in their communities. While some crime rates are dropping, concern around personal safety is still high as many specific incidents hit families close to home. The root causes of crime are complex, including gangs, addictions, homelessness and mental illness. That requires a comprehensive approach that not only catches offenders but works at keeping crimes from taking place at all by targeting the problems behind the crimes.
Discussion:
Do you feel the justice system reflects your values? What’s the best approach for government to take in addressing the root causes of crime, and preventing crimes from occurring? Should more resources be focused on preventing crime or catching and punishing criminals? The B.C. Liberal government is lobbying the federal government for changes to give police more tools and strengthen sentencing. What other changes should the Province pursue with the federal? What kind of crime is most concerning to you: property crime, violent crime, organized crime, gangs, etc.? What can be done on a local/community level to prevent crime?
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