Will Surrey Creep Catcher changes help legal problems?

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – After two members of the Surrey Creep Catchers were charged with assault and uttering threats this week, the leader of the group promised some change in tactics.

The group has pledged to train its members and use handcuffs for citizen’s arrests.

The big problem is with citizen’s arrest themselves, according to NEWS 1130 Legal Analyst Michael Shapray.

He says it’s rare to see citizen’s arrests in the Canadian legal system and should only be done by someone witnessing a crime happen.

“There are rules about whether or not someone actually sees the person committing the offense or whether or not it’s in a reasonable time. More serious offenses have to be done when someone actually sees the offense happening.”

He says the training doesn’t make up for the legal issues.

“It’s not for citizens to become police officers and peace officers and to be roaming the streets doing those duties that are supposed to be done by people who are properly trained and certified to do that.”

He says handcuffs and training don’t really change the fact that if anyone crosses the line, they’ll face assault or forcible confinement charges.

“It would most likely be very unnecessary and it would probably lead to major issues and may have questionable legality in terms of restraining someone with handcuffs.”

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