Tackling prolific offender problem must start with systemic issues: former B.C. attorney general

Similarly, former B.C. attorney general and high-ranking judge Wally Oppal agreed the first step must be dealing with the issues that surround prolific offenders.

“There is a larger issue here involved, that is the issue of homelessness, the issue of mental illness, drugs, narcotics. All of those things are factors and unfortunately the justice system gets left with deciding the ultimate solutions,” said Oppal.

Oppal stated that if the province is going to tackle the area of public safety they have to deal with people before they commit the crime.

“Dealing with the kids that need counselling, dealing with families that need counselling. People who are vulnerable need help because those are the people who end up committing crimes,” added Oppal.

On top of prolific offenders, Oppal spoke to the backlog of cases moving slowly through the courts in British Columbia, noting that justice delayed is not justice.

“One of the weaknesses of our system is we don’t get things done in time. It takes forever to do things. I was the attorney general in 2006 when we charged the Surrey Six. Some of those people are still in the courts. There is something wrong with the system,” said Oppal.

The timeline for the report on prolific offenders is 120 days, but the experts have been advised that if they find opportunities that do not need to wait for a final report, they should advise government so action can be taken earlier in the process.

by Michael Reeve

Tackling prolific offender problem must start with systemic issues: former B.C. attorney general

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