SUNDRE - New provincial government crime reduction efforts, including the launch of new prosecution units and stricter bail protocols, will help better protect district residents, says Sundre-area MLA Jason Nixon and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper.
“For rural Albertans, this will help prevent the revolving door of crime in our communities,” Nixon told the Albertan. "These changes will help protect Alberta families from violent crime, especially by repeat offenders, by ensuring prosecutors put public safety first when considering releasing a criminal on bail and ending Triage Practice Protocol to make sure all viable crimes are prosecuted.”
Under the crime prevention initiative announced last week, the Alberta Crown Prosecutors Service will create new teams with expertise to focus on the increased level of crime and the prosecution of violent criminals, said Mickey Amery, minister of Alberta Justice and Attorney General.
“The position of the Alberta government its absolutely clear: there is no safe haven in Alberta for criminals,” Amery said in a press release. “These changes add to our existing efforts to make sure all criminals, especially repeat violent offenders, are held accountable for their actions.”
Changes to the bail practice protocol for Crown prosecutors will prioritize public safety and take a tough approach on crime caused by repeat violent offenders and gang activity, he said.
“Violence, social disorder and open-air drug use is unacceptable, and we will do everything in our power take back our streets and ensure they’re safe for Albertans.”
MLA Cooper echoed MLA Nixon’s comments, calling the changes welcomed.
“I’ve heard from hundreds of constituents who are concerned with the revolving door of the justice system,” Cooper told the Albertan. “This is a good step in the right direction to ensure that those who commit crimes are dealt with appropriately.
“Getting tough on crime is exactly what people in our riding have been asking for and I am pleased to see it happening.”
Critics not impressed with the government's actions
Irfan Sabir, the NDP’s justice critic, said if the government wants to fight crime it should reverse its previous funding cuts to the justice system.
“The UCP is not a party of law and order and it has no credibility when it comes to addressing violent crime,” Sabir said in a release. “Instead of renouncing their previous commitments, the UCP must reverse all their cuts while investing in addressing crimes and crime prevention, stopping repeat offenders, and providing funding to address the social determinants of crime.”
