One of the co-founders of the Save our Streets Coalition (SOS) believes the federal government can do more to crack down on repeat offenders as well as provide a full continuum of care for those suffering from addiction and mental illness.
The group sat down with the federal Liberals BC caucus on Monday in Kelowna to discuss these issues as well as bail reform.
Jess Ketchum of Quesnel told Vista Radio the current legislation surrounding repeat offenders needs to be re-worked with more severe consequences attached.
“If they offend, over and over and over again, then that revolving door has to stop. I mean this system today is very accommodating to them and it should be more for the protection of the innocent.”
“The law seems to be focused on repeat violent offenders and that is important but we are saying it should apply to all repeat offenders regardless of whether its a violent path or if it’s someone who is a prolific shop lifter.”
Ketchum believes residents are at a tipping point regarding crime, violence and public disorder and it’s about time Ottawa did more to intervene.
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- effective bail reform targeting repeat theft and street disorder offenders;
- federal dollars to provincial governments, with performance strings attached, for building out a full continuum of care for individuals suffering from addictions and mental illnesses;
- a national bail repository so prosecutors can easily and quickly determine if an arrestee is out on bail with existing warrants in different jurisdictions across Canada;
- proper resourcing for the judiciary.
