Whereas a disproportionate amount of crime is perpetuated by a small number of repeat offenders in British Columbia local governments; And whereas jurisdiction for crime is shared between the Province and the federal government; And whereas catch and release is the Provinces entrenched practice of handling criminal cases, particularly in instances where individuals are released without charges after being caught, and the system allows for violent offenders to recommit crimes, which has resulted in a 75 increase in no-charge assessments under the current provincial government; And whereas this has also given rise to a revolving door of injustice that perpetuates harm to the broader community and leniency without punishment or civil consequences for criminals: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to end the detrimental practice of catch and release of repeat offenders in British Columbia immediately; And be it further resolved that the federal government work on bail reform for the safety and security of the people of British Columbia.
