Most organized crime cases in BC. hinge on testimony from an accused person’s former accomplices and informants -- the proposed witness security act will establish a provincial program dedicated to securely managing witnesses
To encourage more people with knowledge of
murders, drug trafficking and other gang-led crimes to share details with
police, British Columbia is proposing a stronger witness security management
and support program.
“People with intimate details of the most
serious crimes, or the activities of gangs and organized crime on our streets,
should not feel their life will be in danger if they do the right thing and
tell police,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor
General.
“We’re taking action now to help ensure the co-operation of witnesses
with new measures that build on federal witness protection. To combat gun and
gang violence, what is required is a multi-pronged approach, which is what we
are working on and this proposed legislation supports that.”
Most organized crime cases in BC hinge on
testimony from an accused person’s former accomplices and informants. However,
the application process for the federal program can lead to delays and
stringent program requirements can cause low witness retention. These
complications compromise B.C. prosecutions and frustrate investigating police
agencies that have often worked for months to secure witness testimony.
If passed, the proposed witness security act
will establish a provincial program dedicated to securely managing witnesses
and co-operating co-accused, complementing the existing federal program. The
act was developed to address the uniqueness of crime here in B.C. and will
provide extra capacity to the police and Crown, which until now, have had to
rely solely on the federal witness protection program.
Like programs in a number of provinces and
the City of Montreal, BC’s approach will help witnesses to safely attend
trial and provide testimony. Beyond this focus on their security, the
provincial program will facilitate treatment services for mental health
challenges and addictions, name and identity changes, and job training.
“The witness security act will be one more
tool that will help us to destabilize gangs and support prosecutions,” said
Kevin Hackett, assistant commissioner, BC RCMP Criminal Operations - Federal,
Investigative Services and Organized Crime.
“It reinforces the fact that there
can be a successful way for those who choose to exit the gang lifestyle, do the
right thing and change their life.”
LINKS YOU MAY WISH TO CHECK OUT:
- End Gang Life: https://www.cfseu.bc.ca/end-gang-life/
- Preventing youth involvement in gangs: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention/gangs
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