More police teams and prosecutors dedicated to combating gang violence will be on the ground and new curbs on gang crime and illegal guns will soon be in place. These are among a dozen new and expanded initiatives that are part of a more than $23-million boost to B.C.’s Guns and Gangs Strategy.
The funding will bolster public safety in Surrey, Williams Lake and other communities that have seen recent spikes in violent, public gang activity, through a three-pillar approach focused on:
Supporting effective enforcement and prosecution.
Furthering community safety and public engagement.
Expanding laws and sanctions targeting illegal guns and gang violence, profits and property.
“The frequency and public nature of recent gang shootings is unacceptable and demands this additional, strategic deployment of resources. People deserve to feel safe no matter where they live in B.C.,” Premier Christy Clark said.
 – b.c.’s integrated anti-gang organization – to support police in communities around the province, dealing head-on with violent criminals to suppress and disrupt their activities.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
enhanced funding for the provincial tactical enforcement priority (ptep) – a comprehensive approach that has integrated municipal, provincial and federal intelligence systems to maximize police efforts to pinpoint and disrupt gang and criminal networks.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
putting dedicated crown counsel on priority ptep files in surrey that involve offenders with lower-level ties to guns and gangs. this will enhance continuity as these cases proceed to trial and build prosecutors’ familiarity with, and expertise in handling, these files.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
expanding the capacity for electronic monitoring of high-risk offenders and ensuring the courts – which have sole discretion over assigning electronic monitoring as a condition of a recognizance or sentence – are fully aware of the options at their disposal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
the second pillar will further community safety and public engagement by:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
establishing a new office of crime reduction and gang outreach. this office will work with cfseu-bc in support of its end gang life program, as well as local governments and agencies, to provide overarching co-ordination of provincial anti-gang outreach programs.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
creating an illegal firearms task force to study and strengthen provincial and federal programs related to illegal firearms.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
.jpg)
MORE National ARTICLES
Tranquil Nova Scotia Beach Scene Of Dispute Over Access Between Locals, McCain Heiress
A tranquil Nova Scotia beach has become the scene of a dispute between an heiress to the McCain dynasty who wants trespassers off her property and locals who question why they can no longer use a path to a shore they've strolled for many years
Tranquil Nova Scotia Beach Scene Of Dispute Over Access Between Locals, McCain Heiress
Rachel Notley Under Fire After Ex-union Negotiator Hired To Bargain With Unions
Wildrose finance critic Derek Fildebrandt says hiring Kevin Davediuk will be bad news for taxpayers given the NDP's traditional ties with unions.
Rachel Notley Under Fire After Ex-union Negotiator Hired To Bargain With Unions
No Injuries As Fiery Blast Damages Wood Products Mill In Quesnel, B.C.
Investigators remain at the scene of an explosion at a wood products mill in Quesnel, B.C.
No Injuries As Fiery Blast Damages Wood Products Mill In Quesnel, B.C.
Canada's Top Court To Hear B.C. Case Against Facebook 'Sponsored Stories' Policy
Deborah Louise Douez sought to file a class action against Facebook over its so-called sponsored stories.
Canada's Top Court To Hear B.C. Case Against Facebook 'Sponsored Stories' Policy
Prison Watchdog Calls For End To Solitary For Mentally Ill Inmates
The report also says segregation should be limited to no more than 30 days and says it should not be used as an alternative to the disciplinary process.
Prison Watchdog Calls For End To Solitary For Mentally Ill Inmates
New Brunswick Turns To Twitter To Encourage More Women To Seek Elected Office
Brian Gallant says he wants more women at the decision-making tables after the May 9 elections provincewide, because studies show that would lead to a stronger economy and better governance.