Correspondence: Release and Monitoring of Repeat Offenders - Mayor Helps

Correspondence to Minister David Eby Regarding Public Safety Concerns

July 9, 2021

Honourable David Eby Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing PO Box 9044 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2

Dear Minister Eby,

On behalf of City Council, I am writing to express our concern that those charged with violent offences or with numerous repeat offences are being released on a "promise to appear", or being released from the court prematurely.

When the global health pandemic hit in March 2020 and physical distancing measures were put in place, and with new laws themed with 'principled restraint' as introduced by Bill C-75, we are hearing that individuals charged with violent offences and those with several past criminal convictions and/or a history of repeat offences are sometimes being released on a "promise to appear" or released from the court with restrictive behavior conditions. Unfortunately, those individuals have been known to, or have shown a pattern of, repeat offences, creating concerns about public safety and taxing our police department as they endeavor to provide follow up, oversight and work with other agencies to monitor and support such released individuals. Some public officials have publicly stated that some of those individuals, who would normally be in custody while awaiting charge disposition, are now residing in our community with insufficient supervision or access to support services.

Therefore, on behalf of Victoria Council, I am bringing forward these concerns for you in the interest of public safety. Our Council is curious to know if there are ways to keep the community safe through options such as ensuring individuals are held in custody until charge disposition, until an informed determination of their potential risk to public safety can be made, or to provide sufficient resourcing for police services to support these individuals while they are living in the community and awaiting disposition.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this important matter, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding this letter.

Sincerely,

Lisa Helps Victoria Mayor

Cc: Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Capital Region District Municipal Councils