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KELOWNA – Sixteen police
officers will be dedicated to the fight against gangs and organized crime in
Kelowna as part of a seven-point plan unveiled by Premier Gordon Campbell
yesterday to get violent criminals off the street, Minister of Public Safety
and Solicitor General John van Dongen said today.
“Our
goals are clear and urgent: no more gangs, no more gunplay and no more innocent
victims anywhere in B.C.,” said van Dongen. “We recognize that cracking down on
gangs in the Lower Mainland has led to some criminals congregating and setting
up shop in other urban centres – particularly Kelowna. By giving police and the
justice system a greater, focused presence right here, we will eliminate the
gang network’s foothold in the Interior.”
One hundred and sixty-eight new police officers will
focus on gangs over the next two years. Of those, 131 will be put in place
immediately. That nearly doubles the number of dedicated officers working on
gangs and organized crime to 368, including 16-member units for Kelowna and
Prince George.
“We’re telling these thugs and criminals that
they are not welcome in Kelowna and area,” said Rick Thorpe, MLA for Okanagan-Westside.
“Our police have done an incredible job so far and we’re glad they are getting
additional resources to keep up the fight.”
Al Horning, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country said, “This is
the right action at the right time. We’re taking a stand against the people who
want to disrupt the beautiful community we have worked so hard to build.”
“Residents have asked the Province to crack down on gangs
and gang violence,” said Sindi Hawkins, MLA for Kelowna-Mission. “The strategy
is big, it’s comprehensive and it’s going to put the run on criminals.”
Van
Dongen and Attorney General Wally Oppal are also going to Ottawa to lobby for
changes to the Criminal Code necessary to put gang members in jail. The
province wants tougher penalties for gang-related crimes, updating regulations
for evidence-gathering that recognize technologies like cell phones and
eliminating bail for accused who use guns while committing a crime.
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contact: |
250 213-3602 |
Cindy Rose 250 356-6961 |
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