â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Province orders investigation into prolific offenders

The B.C. government has hired two experts to investigate and write a report on the actions needed to deal with prolific offenders and random violent attacks.

Provincial officials say British Columbia’s urban mayors’ caucus sent detailed information to the Attorney General and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General about their concerns.

According to the province, despite overall decreases in provincial and community crime rates, downtown retail areas are hurting from shifting crime patterns during the pandemic.

They say the trend was confirmed by local and provincial police.

“Simply because we are compassionate, concerned and taking action on mental health and addiction issues does not mean that we have to accept criminal behaviour, vandalism or violence in our communities,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing in a release.

“We all have to live together, and recovery from the pandemic for hard-hit retailers and downtowns through safety and accessibility for everyone is part of ensuring British Columbia remains one of the best places in the world to live.”

“We agree with the mayors that creative solutions within our authority are needed. Together, we’ve identified and hired the experts in policing and mental health needed to investigate these trends, identify solutions and help us implement them.”

The report will be completed by Doug LePard, a former Vancouver Police Department deputy chief and former Metro Vancouver Transit police chief, and Amanda Butler, a health researcher and criminologist.

Provincial officials said the investigation will be similar to actions taken by the province to address money laundering, as well as the financial crisis at ICBC.

They said those reports dramatically reduced money laundering activities in B.C. casinos and helped lower car insurance rates.

A written report will be released in early fall.

Josiah Spyker
Josiah Spyker
Josiah is an integral part of our East Kootenay team. Since joining Vista Radio in 2021, he has combined his love of community and sport in his reporting for the news team, while also stepping in as an on-air announcer.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

John Rustad survives B.C. Conservative leadership review

John Rustad has survived a leadership review by the B.C. Conservatives. 

BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites

The union representing roughly 34,000 public service workers in British Columbia said it is ramping up job action at liquor and cannabis warehouses as a strike enters its fourth week. 

Nelson marks UN Day of Peace with peace pole unveiling

“May peace prevail on Earth.” That message now links a new peace pole in Nelson with about 300,000 others worldwide.

Nelson resident takes lotto winnings on vacation

An ordinary day at home quickly turned extraordinary for a Nelson local, netting $500k in prize money.

Convoy descends on ostrich farm, owners fear cull will proceed

A convoy that included members of the RCMP and Canadian Food Inspection Agency arrived in the early morning hours.
- Advertisement -