B.C. Supports Crime-Fighting Technology and Prevention
SASKATOON — British Columbia’s commitment to improved federal wiretap and lawful access legislation was reaffirmed today by Attorney General Michael de Jong and Solicitor General Kash Heed, as they joined the western justice ministers’ conference in Saskatoon to talk about innovative ways to both fight and prevent crime.
“We are optimistic federal changes announced earlier this year will contribute to reducing illegal gang and gun activities on B.C. streets,” said de Jong. “We will continue to press Ottawa to strengthen the Criminal Code and other legislation to deter serious and violent street crime, and provide the Crown with the evidence needed to bring violent gang members to justice.”
“We believe that in order to stay ahead of criminal elements, we require amended legislation that recognizes the use of new technologies such as cellphones and the Internet,” de Jong said.
Another item on the agenda at the meeting was a presentation on gang prevention for parents and an overview discussion of the root causes of crime in communities, with a focus on promising approaches jurisdictions are taking.
“Here in B.C., we’ve done a lot of work on combating guns and gangs by emphasizing intelligence-led, integrated policing,” said Heed. “At the same time, we need a balanced approach, and that means not only being tough on gang members, but being equally tough on the social conditions that breed them so we can prevent young people from joining gangs in the first place.”
B.C. is urging the adoption of federal bills C-46, the Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act, and C-47, the Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement in the 21st Century Act. The legislation would clarify the law regarding police authority to investigate criminals who are using current technologies to conduct their unlawful activities. The legislation is expected to be useful in investigations into Internet crime, cyber-stalking, child pornography, organized crime, white-collar crime and national security breaches.
The bills, introduced in the House of Commons in June, are also aimed at ensuring wireless, Internet and other telecommunications companies have the capability to intercept electronic communications and, as a result, are able to comply with court orders to provide subscriber data for criminal investigations.
B.C.’s ministers participated in the Sept. 18 conference using virtual technology. Both de Jong and Heed opted to attend the sessions via video conference, reducing their carbon footprint and saving the Province an estimated $5,000 in direct travel costs.
