The British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) welcomes the Federal Government’s recent announcement introducing reforms to address the ongoing challenge of repeat and violent offenders across Canada.
These measures acknowledge the long-standing concerns raised by communities, victims, and law enforcement regarding the impact of chronic offending on public safety and community well-being. Police agencies across the province continue to witness first-hand the strain that repeat and violent offenders place on victims, families, and neighbourhoods.
“Measures that strengthen accountability, enhance community safety, and reduce reoffending are essential steps toward rebuilding public confidence in the justice system,” said C/Supt. Wendy Mehat, President of the BCACP. “The BCACP supports evidence-based reforms that ensure individuals accused of violent and repeat offences are not released back into the community until appropriate risk assessments and conditions are in place. Our collective goal is to create safer communities for all British Columbians while upholding the principles of fairness, due process, and justice.”
The BCACP and its members will continue working collaboratively with government, Crown counsel, community organizations, and public safety partners to ensure these legislative and policy changes result in meaningful improvements at the local level.
While these reforms represent a positive step forward, the BCACP remains committed to ongoing advocacy for additional legislative measures that further strengthen public safety and community trust throughout British Columbia.