Pubdate: Thu, 26 Feb 2009
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Andy Ivens

GOV'T STEPS UP GANG FIGHT BY NAMING PUBLIC-SECURITY CZAR

B.C. is getting its first crime czar.

Deputy Solicitor-General David Morhart has been named "public security
commissioner" by Solicitor-General John van Dongen.

He will continue his former job, but will also tackle the problem of
gang violence that is plaguing B.C.

In a memo sent to deputy ministers, van Dongen said he made the move
"as part of government's efforts to increase focused attention on the
issue of gangs, illicit drugs and gun violence.

". . . .[The] commissioner will head up areas of the ministry directly
related to this mandate, as well as working closely with the deputy
attorney-general to direct co-operation between police and
prosecutors, and the remand and court system."

Morhart "will be responsible for ensuring outcomes in the areas of
policing, corrections, including custody and probation, dedicated
Crown prosecutors, civil forfeiture, and the chief firearms officer,"
said the memo.

Morhart has been B.C.'s deputy solicitor-general since
2005.

Van Dongen and Attorney-General Wally Oppal flew to Ottawa yesterday
to lobby the federal parties to take action on guns and gangs.

"For years, we've joined police chiefs in calling on Ottawa for key
changes -- including eliminating the two-for-one credit for time spent
awaiting trial, particularly by violent offenders and those who've
breached their bail," said Van Dongen. "It's time for Ottawa to act."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to make an announcement on
gangs and crime when he arrives in Metro Vancouver today.

- - Meanwhile, another drive-by shooting occurred in Maple Ridge Tuesday
night.

Ridge Meadows RCMP said a 22-year-old man was targeted outside his
home in the 20200-block Ditton Street around 9:20 p.m., but he was not
injured.

Police do not believe the incident was gang-related.
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