In this edition of Journal, we take on the urgent issue of crime on our streets with deputy chief Fiona Wilson of the Vancouver Police Department.

There is no denying, even by politicians, that the disorder and stranger violence we see on streets around our province has profoundly upset our communities. Now, there are obviously many complicated causes and many fingers to be pointed at policies or politicians.

But where are we at and how do we go forward?

Going way back, the closing of Riverview put many people with complex mental health issues on the street without guaranteeing the support they would need for their healthcare and housing.

Today’s guest, Fiona Wilson, actually wrote a report on this topic for the Vancouver Police way back in 2007, called “Lost in Transition.”

As well, there is no question that BC’s recent experimentation with decriminalization rapidly brought disorder to our public spaces and limited what the police could do to keep some semblance of order. Now that public use of drugs in certain public spaces has been re-criminalized, has that made a difference?

And then we have a court system, sarcastically called “catch and release,” that sends repeat violent offenders back out into the community – often to reoffend.

Why is that?

Is this because it is an intentional policy decision? Or is it a lack of judges? Or holding space in our jails?

Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson, one of the most accomplished and decorated women in Vancouver Police history, has spent 25 years immersed in these issues and will join us to give us her perspective on the current situation and possible solutions.

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Carole Taylor's Journal is a public affairs dialogue that digs deep into the most pressing issues of our times. For more, see our website at http://www.caroletaylorsjournal.ca.

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