Province announces more funding to fight crime in Surrey
Posted April 15, 2016 11:40 am.
Last Updated April 15, 2016 12:06 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – The province is investing $23 million additional dollars over three years to fight gang violence in this province and it’s focusing on Surrey.
While that city has had more than 30 shootings so far this year, Premier Christy Clark says initiatives like increasing the number of police officers is aimed at fighting gangs across the entire province.
“What’s happening with gangs is not a Surrey problem, it’s a British Columbia problem. And we know when we undertake tough enforcement in one city, many of those gang members — just like cockroaches — find their way to other cities around the province. We need to be integrated in our approach to fighting gangs.”
“This investment will build on the gains made under our Guns and Gangs Strategy through integrated police teams, made-in-BC anti-gang laws, civil forfeiture actions and police and community led programs that engage and educate at-risk youth,” adds Clark.
Premier Christy Clark in Surrey making announcement related to tackling gang violence pic.twitter.com/sn1se5euGm
— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) April 15, 2016
There will be two new 10-person teams for the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and more money for an intelligence program focused on disrupting gangs.
Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner is also welcoming a plan to have specialized anti-gang prosecutors. “It’s for those who are involved in the gang lifestyle. So, if there’s a gangster who is caught, they will have a special prosecutor that puts them through the system faster.”
This announcement marks a reversal of sorts because back in 2014 the provincial government cut $2.8 million from the anti-gang unit’s funding.
This funding also includes nearly $500,000 for a CrimeStoppers tip-line.
