An expert panel tasked with finding solutions to BC’s on-going issues with prolific offenders has returned 28 recommendations.
Formed in May, the two-person panel consists of ex-Vancouver Deputy Police Chief Doug LePard, and mental health researcher Dr Amanda Butler.
In the months prior, numerous municipalities, including Terrace, voiced frustration over the province’s “catch and release” approach to dealing with repeat offenders.
Of the 28 recommendations, the province is taking immediate action on three, including: resurrecting a Prolific Offenders Management team pilot program canned in 2012, and establishing a provincial committee to coordinate service planning for those with complex mental health needs.
Funding will also be provided to design a pilot program at the Prince George Indigenous Justice Centre to address criminal recidivism among First Nations people.
Other recommendations include: investing in civilian-led mental health response teams, creating universal crisis response centres, creating low-security rehab units for high-risk patients, and more.
Collaboration was also a key theme in the report, including working with Indigenous service providers, such as the First Nations Justice Council.
Acknowledging that sentencing is bound by judicial legislation and precedent, the province will also need to work with Ottawa on systemic solutions.
You can view the full report, along with all recommendations at this link.
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