Dedicated Hubs Target Repeat Violent Offending In B.C.’S Interior

Tougher public safety measures are coming from the province.

The BC government will be creating a series of hubs of police, dedicated prosecutors and probation officers focused on tackling repeat violent offending in every region of the province.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, wherever they live,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“The rise in repeat violent offending is top of mind for British Columbians and it’s also a top priority for our government. We’re taking action by standing up 12 hubs throughout B.C. to harness the expertise and experience that will disrupt repeat violent offending and make a real difference in B.C. neighbourhoods.”

Twelve hubs are part of the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative, which is focused on targeted enforcement as well as enhanced investigation and monitoring.

Hubs will be located in four regions of British Columbia: Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, the Interior, and the North.

On the Island, hubs will be based in Victoria and Nanaimo.

Each hub will serve surrounding communities within its region, coordinating responses across the justice system and connecting offenders with the services they need to support better outcomes.

The initiative is structured to meet the unique needs of each community. The hubs will work with local stakeholders and other existing programs, such as situation tables and Assertive Community Treatment teams, through collaborative information sharing.

The Province is investing $16 million over three years so law enforcement can strengthen targeted investigations of repeat violent offending cases and improve information sharing between police agencies.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.