In Canada, the Tories have an opportunity to show they really care about making Canadians less likely to be harmed by crime. They can balance a bill that is only about reaction to crime after it has happened with a commitment to stopping crime before it does harm to victims.
Parliament could add a short section to establish a permanent Crime Reduction Board in their Safe Streets and Communities Act – C-10. The mission of the Board is to spearhead the federal role in the implementation of effective crime prevention, enhanced community safety, and fair services and rights for victims of crime.
There are many examples of effective crime-prevention programs and respect for victims’ rights programs already in operation in Canada and elsewhere. The federal government must upgrade and strengthen its efforts to prevent crime by ensuring these success stories are used comprehensively.
Pre-crime prevention is not only proven to make Canadians less likely to be harmed by crime but does it faster and more cost effectively than adding prison time to lengthy prison sentences. Tough on criminals without tough on causes is tough on potential victims and taxpayers.
This bill must balance smart law enforcement and effective prevention. Other jurisdictions in Canada understand the advantages of balancing smart enforcement and effective prevention.
In 2007, Alberta reacted to public frustration with criminal-justice policies by establishing a task force. Yes, Albertans were frustrated with lax sentencing, but they were also frustrated with the lack of attention to the causes of crime – poor parenting, lack of programs for kids at risk, mental illness, alcohol abuse, and more.
An ounce of violence prevention is proven to save a pound of harm and taxes.
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