CHIEFS URGE OTTAWA TO GET TOUGH ON CRIME

York Chief Alleges That Convicts Given Free Passes To Theme Parks

Ontario's police leaders today announced the creation of a blue-ribbon
justice reform committee to press Attorney General Michael Bryant and
Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter for changes to the justice system.

York Region police Chief Armand La Barge said the committee was formed to
"restore public confidence."

He drew particular notice to the federal parole system.

La Barge alleged that serious offenders are being given free passes to
amusement parks while staying in halfway houses.

La Barge also said current sentencing guidelines "do little to dissuade
murderers, marijuana grow operators, ecstasy manufacturers, car-jackers,
child molesters and home invaders from committing their horrific crimes."

The committee will be made up of some of the most senior police leaders
from across Ontario, he said.

The committee will be led by Chief Tom Kaye of Owen Sound police service
and Vice-Chaired by Chief Wendy Southall of Niagara Regional police.

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has identified problem areas
such as constant remands, lengthy delays, overbooked courts, a growing
insensitivity towards victims of crime, a shortage of Justices of the
Peace, skyrocketing costs related to court security.

La Barge called for a full review of our parole system and the elimination
of the red tape that is "strangling our criminal justice system."

Reporters were told there is "an explosion" of illegal grow-ops in our
communities and in many cases, offenders are getting sentences that range
from house arrest to nine-month conditional sentences.

In the U.S., the chiefs said, the average sentence for operating an illegal
grow-op is seven years.

That's why, the chiefs said, the criminal organizations are targeting
Canada for their illegal grow-operations.