Safer streets, stronger justice in B.C.

VICTORIA - Dramatic declines in impaired driving deaths, a decreasing provincial crime rate and more accountable policing through the newly announced Independent Investigations Office are some key results of the Province's work to make B.C. communities safer.

These are just a few examples of significant progress made by government in the last year to improve the lives of British Columbians and their families by creating and protecting jobs, by becoming more open and transparent, and by continuing to be fiscally responsible in these uncertain economic times.

B.C.'s first full year with Canada's toughest roadside penalties for drinking and driving saw a 40 per cent drop in alcohol-related traffic deaths, compared to the average over the last five years. The province's crime rate fell 30 per cent between 2003 and 2010 - more quickly than the Canadian average - due in part to government's support for integrated police teams and focus on curbing organized and violent crime. Today, B.C.'s crime and homicide rates are at their lowest levels in more than three decades.

More recently, the Province introduced new policing standards and hired one of North America's most-seasoned independent police monitors, Richard Rosenthal, to head the new Independent Investigations Office. When operational in 2012, this office will bring more transparency to investigations of police-involved incidents involving death or serious harm and contribute to enhanced public confidence in policing.

• On Feb. 1, B.C. completed its guns and gangs strategy, activating laws that limit armoured vehicle use, ban aftermarket compartments used by gangsters and make gunshot reporting by health-care facilities mandatory. Since then, no permits to operate armoured vehicles have been issued and police have not reported any armoured vehicle seizures.
• B.C. expanded its successful bait car program this year, a program targeting auto thieves, to include bait trailers. Between 2004 and 2010, auto thefts across the province dropped 65 per cent.
• This fall, B.C. passed legislation that will help to deter and catch metal thieves, in turn protecting 911 service and police communications, preventing theft-related power outages and reducing electrocution risks for innocent bystanders. Consultations on related regulations continue and the law is expected to come into force in spring 2012.
• The Province created a civilian-led Independent Investigations Office (IIO), which will end the practice of "police investigating police" in cases involving death or serious harm. The Province made a commitment to establish the IIO following recommendations of the Davies Commission of Inquiry into the death of Frank Paul and the Braidwood Commission of Inquiry into the death of Robert Dziekanski.
• Following four years of negotiations, B.C. reached agreement-in-principle with Public Safety Canada on a new contract for RCMP services in the province. The draft agreement-in-principle is currently being reviewed.
• B.C.'s upgraded and expanded intersection safety camera program now has digital red-light cameras at 140 locations in 26 communities, helping to save lives and reduce the almost 230 intersection crashes that occur daily across the province.
• Provincial officials headed the selection process that led to the appointment of Craig Callens, a 26-year veteran of the RCMP, as the force's new commanding officer in B.C.
• Recently, the Province finished implementing the Braidwood Commission of Inquiry recommendations, with new policing standards related to Taser deployment, use of force, and video surveillance and recording in police buildings.
• In July, the Province signed a deal to add 216 cells and more than double the existing capacity of the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, as part of a historic $185-million capital plan to expand correctional facilities and accommodate a growing inmate population.
• Streamlined processes for handling lower-value, undisputed cases have helped the Civil Forfeiture Office to see a record 158 cases to conclusion so far in 2011. The program has returned $340,000 to five fraud victims and awarded almost $800,000 more to local programs that support crime prevention or remediation.

Learn More:

• View summary information about B.C.'s agreement-in-principle with the RCMP: www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2011PSSG0152-001553.htm
• Read details of Richard Rosenthal's appointment to the Independent Investigations Office: www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2011PREM0158-001580.htm
• Read more about Craig Callens' appointment as the B.C. RCMP's new commanding officer: www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2011PSSG0158-001600.htm

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961