Alberta government announces targeted prosecution units and stricter bail protocols

The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) is expected to create teams with expertise to focus on the increased level of crime and the prosecution of violent criminals in Edmonton and Calgary. Officials say prosecutors on these teams will work with law enforcement to focus on specific issues affecting these communities, including drug houses and available social supports, and how these factors affect the amount and type of crime occurring.

“The position of the Alberta government is absolutely clear: there is no safe haven in Alberta for criminals. These changes add to our existing efforts to make sure all criminals, especially repeat violent offenders, are held accountable for their actions,” says Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Provincial officials say changes to the bail practice protocol for Crown prosecutors will prioritize public safety and take a tough approach on crime caused by repeat violent offenders and gang activity. Its noted the protocol provides guidance to prosecutors to seek to detain any accused who is a threat to public safety, especially repeat violent offenders, unless the risk to public safety can be addressed by bail conditions. Officials say prosecutors must evaluate the risk that the accused will commit another offence if released.

In addition, the attorney general is terminating the triage practice protocol, which the government says has been met with public concern since it came into effect in 2017. Eliminating this protocol is hoped to better address violent crimes in the community and ensure all viable charges are prosecuted. This change, according to officials, is possible through government investments in the ACPS, which give the prosecutors resources to fully prosecute all matters involving violence.

“In the absence of needed bail reform from the federal government, Alberta is taking a zero-tolerance approach to ensure citizens are safe and secure in their communities. Violence, social disorder and open-air drug use is unacceptable, and we will do everything in our power to take back our streets and ensure they’re safe for Albertans,” says Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Provincial officials say these measures build on several actions Alberta’s government is taking to improve public safety, including increased investments in the Alberta Sheriffs, additional funding to hire 100 more street-level police officers in Edmonton and Calgary, and a $5-million grant to each city to improve public safety on their transit networks.

“The criminal activity and disorder that is happening on our city streets is truly devastating. I am pleased by the changes being proposed by the minister of justice and the new approach of Edmonton Police Service to keep public spaces safe. These interventions are important to stabilize the situation while we continue to work together on long-term solutions,” adds Amarjeet Sohi, mayor, City of Edmonton.

“There is no question that Edmontonians are concerned about the condition of their city’s public spaces, with open-air drug use and associated crime and violence a top issue. We have many government and community partners we lean on to support those impacted by mental health, addiction and victimization, and will continue to do so, but the EPS is taking a clear stance on the criminality and disorder being directly fed by the drug trade,” states Dale McFee, chief, Edmonton Police Service.

Together, says the government, these initiatives will help strengthen the Alberta justice system and the ability to prosecute crimes and keep repeat violent offenders off the street.

Alberta government quick facts

Investments in the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service include the addition of 50 new trial prosecutor positions since 2017.
Public concern about the triage practice protocol introduced in 2017 resulted in some prosecutions not proceeding even if they were in the public interest and had a reasonable likelihood of conviction.
Alberta is providing funding for 100 new front-line police officers in Calgary and Edmonton – 50 in each city.
The Alberta Transit Cleanup Grant is providing Edmonton and Calgary with $5 million each for initiatives that create a safer, more welcoming environment for transit riders.
In February 2023, the Alberta Sheriffs entered into an agreement with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to deploy 12 sheriffs for a 15-week pilot project to address public safety and social disorder in the downtown core. In response to a request from EPS, 10 sheriffs remain deployed with EPS until the end of the year.

Irfan Sabir, Alberta NDP Justice, Public Safety & Emergency Services critic, issued the following statement in response to the UCP’s announcement on violent crime:

“The UCP is not a party of law and order and it has no credibility when it comes to addressing violent crime.

“Danielle Smith tried to get charges dropped for Artur Pawlowski, an individual found guilty of inciting those plotting to murder police officers, and was found guilty of interfering in the administration of the justice system.

“The UCP has also cut the Justice department budget over the years, offloaded policing costs onto municipalities, and made deep cuts to social support programs.

“Combined with other UCP cuts and policies, violent crime has steadily increased along with rising rates of poverty, houselessness, addictions, and the proliferation of guns and gangs.

“Instead of reannouncing their previous commitments, the UCP must reverse all of their cuts while investing in addressing crimes and crime prevention, stopping repeat offenders, and providing funding to address the social determinants of crime.

“Albertans have had enough of empty UCP promises. They want this government to act now.”

by rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta government announces targeted prosecution units and stricter bail protocols

Alberta government quick facts

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