Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jul 2009
Source: Prince George Free Press (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.pgfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2135

Author: Millicent Forrest

TIME TO PUT JUSTICE BACK IN THE SYSTEM

Editor:

Prince George is in need of some real justice. Our RCMP have their
hands tied and criminals are getting away with crimes on every level;
break and enters, theft, rape, assault, kidnapping, attempted murder
and murder. Yes, murder. Drugs and violence have taken over our
neighbourhoods, have stolen the young lives of our sons, daughters,
grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, virtually everyone has
been touched in one manner or the other. Think about it.

It continues to cost taxpayers millions of dollars fighting, only to
have these criminals released back into society by Judges who either
fear or neglect their responsibility to protect the public.

How ridiculous and outrageous is it that an assault on a police
officer only receives a $50 victim surcharge and one day in jail, or
habitual offenders get six months probation. Where victims are so
intimidated and fearful that they cannot step forward to press charges
and reasonable doubt, or knowledge by a person who knows the facts,
carries no weight.

Prince George has the distinction of being the fourth-most crime
ridden city in Canada according to MacLean's magazine (2008).

This is a call for all judges dealing with criminal matters, to apply
the full force of the law to any and all crimes as mentioned above. To
charge young offenders, who choose to re-offend, as adults and put
these criminals where they belong, behind bars, and keep them there as
long as seemingly possible. The cost of the damage they do to the many
families whose lives they destroy, out weighs any cost of
incarceration. If we need more prisons, then let's damn well build
them.

To protect the integrity of this petition, please, only sign it once.
There is strength in numbers, so let's flex our muscle together.

Millicent Forrest

Prince George
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr