Criminal behaviour is a complex social problem. There is no single answer to reducing and preventing crime. The most effective approach is a balance between prevention, treatment and enforcement strategies.
The Government of Alberta recognizes this and is committed to working together with other levels of government, community agencies, business, police, and all citizens to address crime and to ensure Albertans feel safe in their communities.
Government has established the Safe Communities Secretariat — also known as SafeCom — to coordinate and implement the recommendations of the Crime Reduction and Safe communities Task Force. The secretariat will focus on the factors that give rise to crime, such as drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, mental illness and dysfunctional families. SafeCom’s three-year mandate also includes developing a comprehensive, long-term crime reduction and prevention strategy, as well as promoting shared responsibility and innovative safe community strategies. Work has already begun on several key task force recommendations:
- New Crowns and support positions Government has added 26 new Crown prosecutors and 41 new support positions this year. These positions will help manage the increasing demands on the justice system and improve court efficiency.
- File ownership The criminal justice system is being streamlined through the implementation of file ownership, which will see Crowns assume responsibility of a file from the beginning to the end of the court process. This approach has proved successful in other regions in reducing lead times to trial, and reducing backlog.
- Crowns involved in bail applications Crowns will now be involved in bail applications to help ensure that people who should not be released remain in custody, and those that should be released are, with appropriate conditions.
- Comprehensive bail package A comprehensive bail package has been introduced. This package will outline the offenders' current status, history and risk to reoffend. This is the first step in developing a repeat offender pilot project, a joint initiative between Justice and the Solicitor General.
- Specialized courts Government is looking at models for a specialized mental health court, to specifically deal with people with mental illness who are in conflict with the law. Government is also adding more treatment beds. The goal of these initiatives is to treat the underlying causes of the criminal behaviour and, in turn, reduce the rate of repeat offences and reduce pressures on correctional facilities.
The establishment of the secretariat is a priority under Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime so Albertans feel safe. Budget 2008 included new funding of $468 million over three years to implement the task force recommendations and another $33 million to build government-owned addiction treatment facilities.
Safe Communities is a partnership of nine government ministries: Justice and Attorney General, Solicitor General and Public Security, Health and Wellness, Education, Children and Youth Services, Municipal Affairs, Aboriginal Relations, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Culture and Community Spirit. SafeCom will also work with municipalities, businesses, community agencies and individuals to find viable solutions to crime.