Today, the BC Government released the expert recommendations report on repeat offenders. The report, titled ‘A Rapid Investigation into Repeat Offending and Random Stranger Violence in British Columbia’ was issued by Amanda Butler, PhD and Doug LePard, O.O.M., M.A.
“The recommendations made by the authors is in line with our requests,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “Let’s not forget that the BC Government already has a report on hand that contains potential pilot projects and recommendations on how to deal with prolific offenders, but many of these have not been implemented.”
“The authors consulted with a variety of stakeholders including police, mayors and city officials, health authorities, Crown Counsel, community agencies, and academics, however, Boards of Trades and Chambers of Commerce, that represent the business voice, were not explicitly contacted. The private sector is greatly impacted by prolific offenders and needed the ability to voice their opinion.”
The aforementioned stakeholders were concerned about violent thefts, aggressive behaviours, and highly visible street crime.
The new investigation provided 28 recommendations. Some of them include:
- 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.
Read the new report here.
Read the Blue Ribbon Report here.
Read the Surrey Board of Trade policy here.
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Anita Huberman, 604-634-0342, anita@businessinsurrey.com
