Editorial

How many times do lawmakers have to be reminded that our legal system is broken, as in not working? 

A recent poll by Save Our Streets (a BC coalition of primarily business owners) indicates that many people don’t feel safe anymore because of the level of crime and violence in their communities. As a result, quality of life is deteriorating. 

There are far too many cases where violent crime, especially against women, is met with the same cookie-cutter attitude — probation, house arrest, conditions and bail. Next!

Last week an Okanagan man was given house arrest (no jail) after he was caught driving two stolen trucks on two different days, with a handgun in one of the vehicles. The court heard that the accused, who has a criminal record, struck a police car while escaping one of the scenes. 

In another case, a Surrey man was sentenced to house arrest for importing, distributing and possessing child pornography. Really? You can prey on children and not go to jail in this country? Ironically, another man (an American) involved in the same investigation was sentenced to more than five years in prison.

The Save Our Streets (SOS) coalition says crime has reached a crisis point in BC, resulting in fear and rising prices of goods and services.

The group says, “Escalating crime and violence are resulting in people being injured, families being afraid of neighbourhoods, employees in fear of going to work, businesses being forced to close . . .”

Jail should not be a knee-jerk reaction in all cases since many of these crimes are perpetrated by people suffering drug addictions and mental health issues. But it is clear that more deterrence is needed for serious crimes. If not, they should take the word “justice” right out of the equation.

The problem is that judges must follow precedence and cannot deviate too widely during sentencing or the court would get bogged down by too many appeals from the defence. 

The logical solution is to change the laws, but why this hasn’t been done by now remains a mystery considering society’s hue and cry.  

Voters need to make this an election issue if they want to see change. What are the candidates saying about crime and, if elected, what will they do to bring “justice” (and faith) back into the system?

Lyonel Doherty, editor