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Society Screaming for Action on Crime: Police Associaton President

Thursday, 12 January 2023 08:53

By Geoff Waterfield

Mark Baxter says police forces want bail reform after 4 officers have been murdered

The wave of police voices across the province demanding action concerning violence against officers includes the President of the Police Association of Ontario.

Mark Baxter tells us they're talking to the federal and provincial governments about bail reform, after the murder of four officers in four months.

"It also gives rise and speaks to a greater problem that we're seeing, where we know there's a rise in violent crimes in our communities.  The violent crime severity index keeps rising over the last couple of years, and we're saying enough is enough," he insists.

He says now is the time for action, and remains optimistic discussion with lawmakers will be fruitful, in the face of cynicism that Canada's justice system needs attention.

Baxter adds our society is screaming for action, pointing out in each case the four officers were ambushed.  "Everyday when we turn on the morning news, and we hear about another shooting that's taken place somewhere in the GTA, or somewhere in Ontario, a majority of the time, the offenders in those circumstances are folks who have had previous charges for serious violent offences."

He adds one area that needs more scrutiny is reverse onus, in which an offender must prove why they receive bail.

Click here for our previous story with Ontario Provincial Police President John Cerafuolo.

 

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