The chief of the Chatham-Kent Police Service welcomes proposed provincial legislation aimed at strengthening the bail system and keeping repeat violent offenders off the streets.
On Wednesday morning, the province announced the latest proposed bail reforms that include a stronger collection process for forfeited bail by those who breach bail, permanent Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams to help at bail hearings and ensure bail compliance, a comprehensive review of the bail system, and making those wearing ankle monitors pay for them instead of taxpayers.
CK police Chief Kirk Earley told CK News Today that more police tools make the community safer.
"Anytime new legislation is proposed to enhance our current bail system, this is welcomed by the CKPS. Our ability to hold violent and repeat offenders accountable is key to community and officer safety. The Government of Ontario’s proposed changes are an important step forward in enhancing the current bail system and critical in supporting our members. Our community and our members deserve a bail system that puts public safety first," said Chief Earley.
Bail reform is a federal responsibility, but the province said it will continue calling on the federal government to amend the Criminal Code by introducing "concrete" bail changes.
“The current bail system is letting violent, repeat offenders back into our communities and onto our streets, at times just days after they have been arrested and accused of serious crimes,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Enough is enough. We’re cracking down with tougher rules, stronger enforcement and faster action to keep repeat offenders behind bars, where they belong. We’re also calling on the newly elected federal government to join us by strengthening bail to protect victims of crime.”
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said it's important to protect citizens and improve public safety, adding that communities are frustrated with what he called the federal "catch and release" program.
"It's frustrating because it's happening over and over again with repeat violators getting bail again and again and we have had enough," said Kerzner.
Associate Solicitor General Zee Hamid said previous bail reforms such as tracking and monitoring those on bail have paid off.
Premier Ford also promised that tougher judges are coming, saying he'll appoint more judges who are tough on crime.
He said the judicial system is broken and out of control, calling some judges "bleeding hearts" who keep releasing convicts and accused people out on bail sometimes four or five times.
"The system is broken and there's a lot of terrible bleeding heart judges out there. And once these judges get into their positions they have a sense of entitlement. That's what drives me crazy," the premier said. "You know these judges who are bleeding hearts, I can't wait until they retire. As a matter of fact, I'll pay you to retire earlier. I'll pay you out for two, three, four years, just get out of the system. It's as simple as that."
Kerzner said he's looking for judges who understand the community and will enforce community standards.
Ford added that he has no problem building more jails if necessary, adding that criminals must be kept behind bars.