Office of the Prime Minister
Ottawa, Ontario
Dear Prime Minister:
I have a very deep concern about the justice system in our country. It is the “catch and release” that we use.
There needs to be consequences of some sort… not just to arrest and then immediately release with a promise to appear in court. We have cases where criminals do serious crimes as hurting other people and getting released. There are those who get immediately released and then commit other crimes on the same day. Another matter is people who shoplift knowing it will be a brief amount of time in the police station then out to do it all over again.
This policy is not working. It’s a threat to Canadian society. It does nothing to protect the general population from repeat offenders. Something has to be done to protect our people, their property, and the community’s businesses. Catch and release has to disappear, and soon.
It must be hard on police constables, from the federal level to the community level to arrest a wrongdoer, then see him/her walk out after promising to appear in court then continuing to commit crimes.
You, as in the justice system need to have consequences; not walking out the front door but being held and seen by a magistrate without delay. Don’t delay justice!
I can understand the policy for first-time offences; for some people that would be the fear of God. For those who do the same offence over and over again or hurt others, they stay put. There must be solutions to keep the Canadian population safe and free to enjoy our way of life without worrying about our safety and property.
Something has to be done about catch and release.
Respectfully submitted
Kelvon G. Smith CD, BA, B.Ed
Captain- Canadian Forces- Retired.
CC: Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Minister, MP – Larry Maguire, Premier of Manitoba, MLA- Greg Nesbitt, Association of Canadian Police Chiefs, RCMP Commissioner.
