WASTING MONEY ON FAILED CRIME EFFORTS

Statistics Canada may have identified Abbotsford as Canada's murder
capital, however the entire province must share this honour because
provincial anti-crime initiatives have failed.

There are more illegal drugs and weapons on the streets, more gangs
and fewer convictions. All the money thrown at special efforts such as
anti-gang units have little to show for the millions of dollars spent
each year.

Maybe it is time for a different approach.

The key policy question concerns the best approach to combat
crime.

B.C.'s drug-crime rates - which have consistently been the highest in
Canada since the 1980s - have generally increased due largely to a
spiking in possession of cannabis offences. Isn't it time to
decriminalize marijuana? As from online gambling and alcohol, the
government could generate billions of dollars and redirect resources
to fight addictions which will end the drug trade.

Enforcement focus would change and B.C. would make substantial gains
against crime.

As it stands, B.C. taxpayers continue to fund government and police
initiatives, not because of their success, but rather because of their
failure.

William Perry

Victoria