Province reports success tackling repeat violent offending

VICTORIA -

Summary:

• A provincial evaluation shows 50% fewer police interactions involving accused individuals and faster charge approvals for high-risk violent offenders
• A new initiative is being piloted in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Nelson to address chronic perpetrators of property and public disorder crime
• Both initiatives support government goals to improve public safety and break cycles of offending

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The Province's repeat violent-offending program is showing strong results in reducing police interactions, speeding up charge times, and increasing time in custody.

"The repeat violent offending program is proving a co-ordinated intervention that is making a real difference in our communities," said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "The impact is far-reaching for people's safety in their neighbourhoods and downtown cores, with violent offenders being better monitored and kept off our streets for longer."

The Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative (ReVOII)brings together police and dedicated prosecutors, correctional supervisors, probation officers and community-integration specialists with the aim of identifying and intervening in cases involving repeat violent offenders.

Once a person is identified for the program, they receive enhanced case management, monitoring and surveillance. Police and probation officers work together to provide prosecutors with detailed information that supports decision-making about charge assessments and, where appropriate,connecting individuals with the services they need to help break the cycle of reoffending.

ReVOII showing strong results

The internal evaluation focused on police interactions, prosecution decisions, time in provincial custody and reoffending. It found clear evidence of reduced offending, stronger accountability and strengthened justice-system responses for ReVOII individuals:

• Police interactions for all offences involving accused individuals dropped significantly by nearly 1,500 (50%), in the 18 months after being designated for ReVOII. Violent-offenceinteractions declined even further by 480 (56%), in that same period.
• Dedicated Crown counsel approved ReVOII cases faster, in appropriate cases, sought detention more frequently (84% vs. 67%), with higher remand rates (75% vs. 56%).
• Individuals spent more time in provincial custody (48% vs. 32%) reflecting closer supervision and stronger accountability.
• Those who willingly engage with ReVOII stay charge-free longer, reducing risk to communities.
• Those who resist involvement and continue to reoffend are being met with swift enforcement and are experiencing longer periods of incarceration.

New program being piloted in select communities to tackle property crime

Building on ReVOII's early success, a similar initiative is being piloted in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Nelson to address property crime and public disorder.

"This new program will help to stop chronic property crime offenders, which will save businesses the expense of the costs of crimes like shoplifting and vandalism," Krieger said. "By targeting, monitoring and addressing key repeat offenders of crimes and disorder, we're going to help make our streets safer for everyone in these cities."

Each community has identified five individuals whose persistent disorder, theft and vandalism have affected public spaces and local businesses. The Chronic Property and Public Disorder Intervention Initiative's (C-POII) co-ordinated model will provide enhanced monitoring, enforcement and supports to address public safety concerns that are impacting communities.

Quick Facts:

• ReVOII was launched in May 2023 as part of the Province's Safer Communities Action Plan.
• With 12 hubs operating in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Kamloops, Kelowna, Cranbrook, Prince George, Williams Lake and Terrace, ReVOII provides support throughout the province.
• To date, the initiative has offered intensive supervision and supports to more than 500 high-risk, complex-needs violent offenders.
• C-POII aligns with the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP), which supports police in addressing street disorder and retail crime.

Learn More:

A backgrounder follows.