The Elgin Group Police Services Board is adding its voice to the growing demand for changes to the Canadian Criminal Code related to the bail system.
Police Services Board chairman Dave Jenkins and Elgin OPP Insp. Mark Loucas (pictured at left) stress the system of catch and release justice is contributing to a public safety crisis.
Accentuated, adds Jenkins, by the shooting death in Dec. of OPP Const. Greg Pierzchala near Hagersville.
One of the two suspects charged – 25-year-old Randall McKenzie – was out on bail for firearms offences with a lifetime ban on owning guns and was currently out on bail with a warrant for his arrest.
Over a four-year span, Elgin OPP dealt with 55 offenders who repeatedly had interactions with police within days of being charged, according to Insp. Loucas.
These offences included robbery, assault, break and enter, sexual assault and domestic violence-related incidents.
Jenkins tells myFM remedial help is also a necessary component in the criminal justice system.
Jenkins adds the opportunity for reform is now in light of the number of police officers injured or killed in the past year.
The ultimate goal is to manage an offender’s behaviour without enforcement, stresses Insp. Loucas.
But, he adds, enforcement is sometimes necessary to protect the safety of the community. Particularly when dealing with repeat offenders who breach their release conditions.
That’s chairman Jenkins. He notes it is not just about bail hearings, it’s about a package of reforms to the criminal justice system.
Written by Ian McCallum
