CITIZENS NEED COURTS ON SIDE TO BE REAL CRIME FIGHTERS

While we agree wholeheartedly that crime in our city should be opposed by
everyone, we are unclear as to how crime-fighting citizens in Chilliwack
are going to be protected once they put their necks on the line.

For certain, RCMP need all the help they can get. City workers and realtors
are on the streets every day. Why shouldn't they be empowered? Serious
crime numbers are down, but 'petty' crime is escalating out of control.
Property damage, house break-ins and car thefts occur at frightening rates.
Some are afraid to walk on our streets at night. And Chilliwack is second
in the number of marijuana grow operations in the province.

However, the problem begins not with the police - who do all they can - but
with the courts. Criminals are slapped on the wrists and returned to our
streets as quickly as they are arrested. What is required are judges who
are willing to impose penalties that will stop criminals from offending
over and over and over again.

Most good citizens are willing to stand up for what they believe in and a
good community rises up against all who try to take advantage. We are so
much stronger together, but are we truly all together on crime?

Let's say Chilliwack's new effort works and more people are on the lookout
for crime. The courts require witnesses who will step out of the shadows,
make official statements and potentially attend court where they will face
organized criminals, their families and friends.

Why should anyone stand up to be counted when they will potentially become
targets themselves? Police make promises to witnesses, but as many cases
have shown, we are all vulnerable when we are the ones pointing the finger.

Yes, everybody wants a safe community to raise their children, as
Chilliwack RCMP Inspector Bud Mercer points out. But crime needs to be
fought by an entire community - its government, its police, its citizens
and especially its judges who hold most of the crime-fighting power.