British Columbia has led the way in fighting car thefts,  with the largest “bait car” program of its kind in North America. Already it has helped reduce auto thefts by 38 per cent, or by 10,000 fewer stolen vehicles, since the program was launched in 2005. A BC Liberal Government will expand that and other programs aimed at reducing property crimes.

We created the first dedicated transit police force in Canada. It now has 130 armed officers on buses, SkyTrain, Seabus and the Westcoast Express who have full police powers. To make SkyTrain stations even more secure for women, youth and vulnerable citizens, we will invest in new “smartcard” technology that will also discourage fare evasion. We will also build on our recent efforts to introduce street cameras in high-risk areas. Those cameras help prevent street crimes and help police to catch and punish those who commit criminal acts.

Last summer, we opened Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court – a first in Canada. That court will process some 1,500 offenders a year, including many who are caught in the downward spiral of alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, homelessness and poverty. By taking individual problem-solving approach to address the underlying causes of their criminal behaviour, the Community Court is creating more effective relationships between the justice system, health and social services, community organizations, area residents, merchants, faith communities and schools.

Our Platform will expand Community Courts to other communities, to expedite sentencing and support aimed at preventing crimes, appropriately punishing criminals, and reducing repeat offenders. It will build on our government’s Safe Streets Act, with new legislation to require those arrested with outstanding warrants from other provinces to be immediately returned to those jurisdictions. That new law will deny those individuals access to income assistance and other services, with residency requirements until they can prove that their warrants have been dealt with.

A BC Liberal Government will also strengthen initiatives to stop school bullying, and it will move aggressively to combat the use and abuse of dangerous drugs, like crystal meth. It will expand partnerships with non-profit and volunteer organizations to further expand access to 24/7 safe homes for women escaping violent or abusive relationships.