Smiths Falls Police Service Chief Jodi Empey
This is the first in a series on bail reform in Ontario, and specifically Smiths Falls where repeat offenders continue to be a problem for the local police service.
We recently reported on an individual in Smiths Falls who was in and out of custody four times in a month for violating conditions and allegedly committing other crimes.
Cases like that have many talking about bail reform, a conversation that picked up steam after an OPP officer was shot by an offender out on bail facing numerous weapons charges.
Smiths Falls Police Chief Jodi Empey tell myFM her service has been vocal in the conversation because the department has always been and advocate for victim’s rights and public safety as part of their mandate.
She says it can leave them scrambling.
The Chief says often times the offender is released on conditions that don’t meet the safety needs of their victims.
Bail reform was put in place earlier this year, but there is still work to be done when it comes to the actual release of the offenders.
We’ll go into greater detail on that aspect next week.