Senate Committee codifying get out of jail card puts public safety at risk

OTTAWA , Oct. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Police Association (CPA) is dismayed and concerned by the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs' decision to amend Bill C-25 and actually insert "1.5-for-1" credit for time served while awaiting trial into the Criminal Code. The CPA urges members of the Senate not to accept the amendments made by its Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee and pass Bill C-25 in its original form.

"We are astonished that members of this Senate Committee would side with the interests of convicted criminals and provide them with a codified get out of jail card," said Charles Momy, CPA President. "Releasing offenders into communities prematurely is a recipe for failure and puts public safety at risk," he added.

The CPA has consistently raised concern over the practice awarding "2-for-1" and some times "3-for-1" credit during its appearances before committees of Parliament. Canadian frontline police officers were very supportive of the Government's initiative to end the "2-for-1" credit for convicted felons for time spent in pre-trial custody. The CPA was also delighted that members of the House of Commons saw fit to eliminate this misguided practice. It now urges the Senate to make the right decision.

"We urge members of the Senate to listen to pleas made by victims' advocates, concerns raised by frontline police and decisions made by Canada's elected federal representatives on the issue of credit for time served, rather than protect the interest of convicted felons," said President Momy .

The CPA is the national voice for approximately 57,000 police personnel serving across Canada . Through our 160 member associations, CPA membership includes police personnel serving in police services from Canada's smallest towns and villages as well as those working in our largest municipal cities, provincial police services, members of the RCMP, railway police, and First Nations police associations.

For further information: Pierre Collin, Communications Officer, Tel.: [phone] ext. 229, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]