Manitoba has introduced a five-point plan that includes hiring police officers dedicated to tracking violent offenders and implementing tougher bail conditions in a bid to shut the “revolving door” of the provincial justice system.
Premier Wab Kinew said the plan will address community safety issues associated with repeat offenders.
“We’ve heard time and time again that we need to take action on bail reform,” Mr. Kinew said during a Feb. 29 press conference. “The concern is if somebody does get picked up off the street, often the next day, maybe even later the same day, those same people cause problems in our communities, are back at it again, and that causes Manitobans to lose confidence in their government’s ability to keep them safe.”
The province will dole out $3 million over the next two years to create 12 new positions at the Winnipeg Police Service as part of the new initiative. The primary focus of these officers will be to arrest offenders “who pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of the community,” according to a provincial press release. The new officers will work collaboratively with the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit.
The premier also talked about adding more teeth to existing bail policies, giving Crown attorneys more tools to request bail be denied if a suspect is a violent offender or is accused of partner violence. Prosecutors will also assess whether detention is necessary to maintain public confidence in the justice system.
“This seems like a common sense measure that should have been in place years ago but, thankfully, we’re in a position now to implement it today to ensure we have a stronger bail system,” Mr. Kinew said.
The government has also pledged $514,000 to help Manitoba law enforcement agencies share data and intelligence more effectively both with each other and their out-of-province peers. The enhanced reporting capacity will also help inform decision-making at the provincial and federal levels, the news release said.
The fourth part of the plan is to use $500,000 to create a community monitoring and supervision program aimed at providing better mental health and substance use support for chronic offenders.
“Serious offenders on bail are more likely to reoffend without the support they need to make better choices,” Mr. Kinew said. “That is why we are taking action that is tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.”
The province is also planning a “public safety summit” this spring with community members, Winnipeg police and representatives from other agencies to discuss “shared priorities” and address “the root causes of crime.”
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe described the multifaceted plan as a “building block of a vibrant, healthy and growing community.”
“Together, these changes will help us create a future where every Manitoban feels safe in their community,” he said.
Winnipeg Police Service acting deputy chief Dave Dalal said his officers see the impact repeat offenders “have on victims and the community as a whole” on a daily basis.
He said the plan is a good opportunity to “work with our partners in the criminal justice system to strengthen the bail system to increase public safety.”
