Mississauga mayor calls for changes to keep bad guys behind bars
Published July 12, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie says there must be changes to provincial legislation so that habitual criminals aren’t turned out onto city streets too quickly just to commit more crimes.
The mayor’s comments follow recent cases in Peel Region where police have arrested those who are either on bail for other charges or have been given lenient sentences only to re-offend when released.
They also echo the concerns of Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah who has been critical of the criminal justice system for forcing police to arrest the same people time and again. The chief believes the lenient system emboldens career criminals who have no fear of spending serious time behind bars.
Crombie, who is a member of the Peel Regional Police Services Board, says board members have contacted Ontario’s Attorney General to point out the dangers that exist with the current system both to members of the public and police officers.
“This is something our board has been speaking a lot about,” said the mayor at a recent news conference. “Certainly the rate which judges release those who have been charged or are out on bail is cause for concern,”
The mayor pointed out the recidivist rate for those out on bail in unacceptable.
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As well as the Ontario Solicitor General, Crombie said the Ontario Attorney General also needs to be be brought into the discussion. Both government offices are responsible for crime, punishment and policing in the province.
“There must be changes to the legislation to keep our streets safe,” the mayor said.
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