(credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CATCH AND RELEASE

Kamloops councillor moves UBCM resolution on catch-and-release policies, bail reform

Jun 12, 2025 | 4:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — Following an unanimous vote of council this week, the City of Kamloops will be forwarding a resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) on the issue of catch-and-release and bail reform.

The issues around justice live mostly at the federal level, with some portions tackled provincially. That’s left municipalities, who are on the front lines of the problem, searching for answers.

“Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the province of B.C. to end the detrimental practice of catch and release in British Columbia immediately and to work with all federal parties to work toward bail reform for the safety and security of the people of British Columbia,” said Councillor Katie Neustaeter.

Asked by council about the role the province can play Kamloops-Centre MLA Peter Milobar stated advocacy and teamwork is critical.

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“Truly get the politics out of it. Public safety, of all things, really shouldn’t be that partisan. Most parties are all saying very similar things, both federally and provincially, so if that is the case, let’s just get on with it instead of this handwringing and clacking of tongues,” Milobar told council during Tuesday’s (June 10) regular meeting.

Neustaeter outlined a pair of examples of the challenges caused by repeat offenders in Kamloops, including one whose criminal history dates back 22 years, and has averaged one police encounter every five days for the past five years on the street.

“This offender currently has numerous driving prohibitions, two indefinite firearm prohibitions, two probation orders and nine auto thefts, eight prohibited driving, seven possession of stolen property, six break and enters to residence, three assaults and three breaches of conditions,” listed Neustaeter.

The second example from Neustaeter, who received the information from RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley, was a person tied to organized crime in the city with over 289 files.

“Thirteen assaults, 12 possession of stolen property (charges), 11 auto thefts, eight breaches of conditions, six drug possession and six weapon offenses. This offender also has a negative role code in two first-degree murder files, two robbery files. three drug trafficking and three uttering threat files,” stated Neustaeter.

The resolution will be voted on at the UBCM conference this September in Victoria.

“Sadly, these two offenders are not an exception, but actually the norm of crime in Kamloops, B.C., and Canada. What are we doing?” said Neustaeter.