ENDING THE CRIME CYCLE

The criminal justice system is often referred to as a revolving door.

For repeat offenders, it's an apt description. If they do get jail
time, many are back in court shortly after getting out, and the cycle
is repeated, much to the frustration of police, and the public.

Behind the pattern is usually a drug habit, as illustrated through
the case of Stella Wallace, in this edition of The News.

The chronic shoplifter's story is one that is shared by many other
prolific offenders.

They commit crimes such as break-ins and thefts, to feed an
addiction. There may be other factors involved as well, such as peer
pressure or mental health.

While some would argue most prison sentences are too light,
incarceration, regardless of length, does not address the root causes
behind prolific criminal activity. In fact, sometimes it exacerbates
the situation.

That has been recognized by the RCMP, and other authorities, who are
now focusing on a different strategy - one which identifies prolific
offenders, and works to find ways to break the cycle, and
rehabilitate the individuals.

Obviously, that's a major benefit to society - and the people who
repeatedly offend - if they can be set on a crime-free path of life,
rather than being a social burden on multiple levels, not the least
of which include huge police, court and prison costs.

Abbotsford Police are using similar approaches, in concert with Crown
counsel and other agencies.

Approximately 50 per cent of crime in B.C. is committed by only 10
per cent of offenders.

Clearly, this is an issue that warrants acute police attention,
supported with strategies that work toward a long-term fix, instead
of putting the problem through a revolving door.