ANSWERS SOUGHT FOR CRIME HIKE

Some Call for Big Changes

Coun. Barry Dalrymple called the province's bail system "a revolving
door" Monday, reflecting on recent crime across HRM, including shots
fired over the weekend in the suburban community of Fall River.

"We can start to reign in our pathetic bail laws," Dalrymple, who
represents Fall River on council, said when asked how crimes in HRM
could be curbed.

Dalrymple then said he believes "we have a situation here with a
person who shouldn't be out on bail and now it is drawing communities
into the crossfire of warring gangs."

Dalrymple wouldn't specify whom he was talking about.

The shooting Saturday in his district was directed at the home of
convicted drug dealer Jimmy Melvin Sr. CTV reported Jimmy Melvin Jr.
was inside the residence at the time.

Both father and son have been targeted in shootings in recent months
and are publicly suspected of feuding with the Marriotts over drugs.

But Dalrymple said the problem isn't isolated, explaining he saw the
system fail numerous times over his 33-year career as an RCMP officer.

"I know the trauma that this causes a neighbourhood," he
said.

Justice Minister Cecil Clarke said the province has done plenty to
improve crime rates, such as funding the first ever public safety
officer and adding 51 new police officers to the HRM's forces, a
$7.4-million investment. But he admitted high profile cases, "such as
what we've seen with the Melvins," remain a concern.

Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service spokeswoman Chris Hansen added
crown attorneys and judges have to work within federal law under the
Criminal Code of Canada.

"You can't change the processes for specific individuals," she said.