Sunday, August 31, 2025
13.1 C
Prince Rupert

B.C. announces additional $6M for police to target repeat offenders

British Columbia’s public safety minister said the province is investing an additional $6 million dollars for police departments to target repeat violent offenders. 

Gary Begg announced the funding for the Special Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) program Friday in Surrey. 

A press release said the SITE program has supported police operations in 38 communities throughout British Columbia. The funding brings the province’s funding for the program to $17 million. 

It said the funding has facilitated more than 5400 investigations of individuals and 177 of those investigations also involved the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative (ReVOII), which monitors repeat violent offenders under community supervision in the province.

SITE is a three-year program launched in 2023.

“Its purpose is to enhance inter-agency co-ordination and to prioritize repeat violent offenders across jurisdictions in a more strategic and effective way,” said Vancouver Police Superintendent Andrew Chan at the announcement Friday. 

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and other local B.C. leaders issued a statement last September, calling on the province and federal government to take more action on bail reform for repeat offenders. 

Begg said Friday the NDP government has been lobbying hard for bail reform with the federal government.

“It’s a very important discussion that is ongoing,” said Begg.

He said the additional police funding is just one part of the province’s efforts to address the issues around repeat offenders, including partnerships with social services and anti-poverty groups. 

The release states the province’s latest budget includes $235 million in new funding in the next three years for various public safety and justice programs.

The issue of bail reform has been pushed to the forefront by some high profile cases involving repeat offenders, including the murder of 30-year-old Surrey woman Tori Dunn last year. The Ontario man charged in the case was out on bail at the time of Dunn’s killing.

The federal government’s Bill C-48 came into effect last year, expanding the use of reverse onus bail provisions to target repeat violent offenders. That means for certain offences the defendant must argue for why they should be released on bail, rather than the prosecution arguing for why they should stay locked up. 

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma welcomed the bill when it was proposed in 2023.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association argued against the use of reverse onus provisions, saying pre-trial detention in Canada seen a 158 per cent increase since 1986, and Indigenous and Black individuals are overrepresented among those denied bail.

Meanwhile, critics are sounding the alarm about what they say has been a chronic underfunding crisis in B.C.’s justice system. The B.C. Crown Counsel Association filed a grievance last month over staffing shortages, particularly in the southern Interior region.

The Trial Lawyers Association of B.C. said last year a “sheriff shortage crisis” has led to significant delays in the justice system in British Columbia. They highlight retention and recruitment issues within the British Columbia Sheriff Service.

Emily Joveski
Emily Joveski
Emily Joveski is the provincial news reporter for Vista Radio, based in Victoria B.C. She has worked in radio for more than a decade, and was previously on the airwaves as a broadcaster for The Canadian Press in Toronto. When she's not at her desk, she might be found exploring Vancouver Island or loitering in a local book store.

Continue Reading

chtk Now playing play

cjfw Now playing play

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

B.C. announces additional $6M for police to target repeat offenders

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Masset RCMP respond to man with a weapon

A man has been arrested following an alleged serious assault with a weapon in the community of Masset on Thursday.

Car crashes into Walmart, driver injured

The Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call on Friday, Aug. 29 after a driver crashed their vehicle into Walmart.

New childcare spaces coming to Masset

The BC Government has announced they are opening childcare spaces in 12 communities including Masset.

Prince Rupert Rampage preparing for new season

The Prince Rupert Rampage finished last season in fifth place and this season they are looking to improve.

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

City of Prince Rupert issues update on the BIG project

The City of Prince Rupert has been busy digging up streets to replace old pipes as part of the The Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project.

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

B.C. announces additional $6M for police to target repeat offenders

Sample author description

Author Archive

Masset RCMP respond to man with a weapon

A man has been arrested following an alleged serious assault with a weapon in the community of Masset on Thursday.

Car crashes into Walmart, driver injured

The Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call on Friday, Aug. 29 after a driver crashed their vehicle into Walmart.

New childcare spaces coming to Masset

The BC Government has announced they are opening childcare spaces in 12 communities including Masset.

Prince Rupert Rampage preparing for new season

The Prince Rupert Rampage finished last season in fifth place and this season they are looking to improve.

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

City of Prince Rupert issues update on the BIG project

The City of Prince Rupert has been busy digging up streets to replace old pipes as part of the The Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project.

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.

Labour day fun in Prince Rupert

Tourism Prince Rupert and ILWU Local 505 are joining forces to bring Prince Rupert a labour day filled with fun.

B.C. opening thousands more seats for students this fall

The British Columbia government is promoting thousands of new seats ready for students this school year.

B.C. Hydro encourages energy conservation as temperatures soar

High temperatures that have blanketed parts of British Columbia this week are expected to cool gradually in the coming days. 

Ottawa investing $22.7 for EV charging stations in B.C.

The federal government announced funding on Wednesday to install more than 480 electric vehicle charging stations in British Columbia. 

Prince Rupert carnival closed after fatal accident

Prince Rupert RCMP confirm a man has died after being found unconscious at the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival on Tuesday.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -

Search results for: B.C. announces additional $6M for police to target repeat offenders

Masset RCMP respond to man with a weapon

A man has been arrested following an alleged serious assault with a weapon in the community of Masset on Thursday.

Car crashes into Walmart, driver injured

The Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call on Friday, Aug. 29 after a driver crashed their vehicle into Walmart.

New childcare spaces coming to Masset

The BC Government has announced they are opening childcare spaces in 12 communities including Masset.

Prince Rupert Rampage preparing for new season

The Prince Rupert Rampage finished last season in fifth place and this season they are looking to improve.

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

City of Prince Rupert issues update on the BIG project

The City of Prince Rupert has been busy digging up streets to replace old pipes as part of the The Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project.

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.

Labour day fun in Prince Rupert

Tourism Prince Rupert and ILWU Local 505 are joining forces to bring Prince Rupert a labour day filled with fun.

B.C. opening thousands more seats for students this fall

The British Columbia government is promoting thousands of new seats ready for students this school year.

B.C. Hydro encourages energy conservation as temperatures soar

High temperatures that have blanketed parts of British Columbia this week are expected to cool gradually in the coming days. 

Ottawa investing $22.7 for EV charging stations in B.C.

The federal government announced funding on Wednesday to install more than 480 electric vehicle charging stations in British Columbia. 

Prince Rupert carnival closed after fatal accident

Prince Rupert RCMP confirm a man has died after being found unconscious at the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival on Tuesday.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -

Tag: B.C. announces additional $6M for police to target repeat offenders

Masset RCMP respond to man with a weapon

A man has been arrested following an alleged serious assault with a weapon in the community of Masset on Thursday.

Car crashes into Walmart, driver injured

The Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call on Friday, Aug. 29 after a driver crashed their vehicle into Walmart.

New childcare spaces coming to Masset

The BC Government has announced they are opening childcare spaces in 12 communities including Masset.

Prince Rupert Rampage preparing for new season

The Prince Rupert Rampage finished last season in fifth place and this season they are looking to improve.

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

City of Prince Rupert issues update on the BIG project

The City of Prince Rupert has been busy digging up streets to replace old pipes as part of the The Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project.

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.

Labour day fun in Prince Rupert

Tourism Prince Rupert and ILWU Local 505 are joining forces to bring Prince Rupert a labour day filled with fun.

B.C. opening thousands more seats for students this fall

The British Columbia government is promoting thousands of new seats ready for students this school year.

B.C. Hydro encourages energy conservation as temperatures soar

High temperatures that have blanketed parts of British Columbia this week are expected to cool gradually in the coming days. 

Ottawa investing $22.7 for EV charging stations in B.C.

The federal government announced funding on Wednesday to install more than 480 electric vehicle charging stations in British Columbia. 

Prince Rupert carnival closed after fatal accident

Prince Rupert RCMP confirm a man has died after being found unconscious at the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival on Tuesday.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -