B.C. aims to support repeat offenders while protecting communities

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government has hired two experts to investigate and report on how best to prevent cycles of crime involving prolific offenders and those who commit random violent attacks.

Attorney General David Eby says a small group of people is creating disorder and chaos, mostly in downtown cores, as businesses are trying to recover from the pandemic.

Eby says a former deputy police chief of Vancouver and an expert in mental health and corrections have been asked to come up with creative solutions and submit a report with recommendations in four months.

He says repeat offenders are unlikely to take up voluntary supports for issues related to mental health and addictions, but solutions may involve compulsory participation in programs that integrate both health and justice systems.