Victoria – The Province has received expert recommendations that will help shape actions to keep people and communities safe, and connect people who have been committing repeat offences with the supports they need to break out of that cycle.
To read the executive summary and recommendations, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/InvestigationRecommendations.pdf
To read the BC First Nations Justice Council’s submission to the investigation panel, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/ProlificOffendersInvestigation.pdf
Communities throughout B.C. have been dealing with an increase in repeat offending – criminal activity from a small group of people who are disproportionately committing petty crimes in neighbourhoods – as well as unprovoked violent stranger attacks. The Province, in co-operation with the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus, hired experts in mental health and policing, Amanda Butler and Doug LePard, to provide a rapid, independent analysis of the public-safety challenges communities are facing and recommend evidence-based solutions.
The investigation makes recommendations in several areas, such as:
- improving the system of care for people in the criminal justice system with mental-health and substance-use challenges;
- creating more opportunities to divert people from the criminal justice system;
- improving services for Indigenous Peoples;
- improving collaboration between partners, including community services, law enforcement, and all levels of government; and
- addressing repeat offending and improving public confidence in the justice system.
