Peel Police Service Board Calls for Urgent Bail Reform in Letter to Justice Minister

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2024

Peel Police Service Board Calls for Urgent Bail Reform in Letter to Justice Minister

Brampton, ON – In a continued effort to address escalating public safety concerns, the Peel Police Service Board sent an important letter to The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. This latest communication builds on an earlier call by the Board for bail reform outlined in a February 2023 letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes amidst rising incidents of auto thefts and other serious crimes in Peel and across Canada.

The letter details distressing trends, including the case of Darian Henderson-Bellman, tragically killed in Brampton, Ontario, and other similar situations where offenders, repeatedly granted bail, continue committing violent crimes. These cases underscore the Peel Police Service Board’s concern over the low detention rates in firearms-related bail hearings and the exploitation of bail provisions by offenders.

"We respect the constitutional rights concerning bail, but our current system requires immediate recalibration to prioritize community safety and prevent further victimization," said Nando Iannicca, Chair of the Peel Police Service Board. "The ongoing cycle of crime under the existing bail conditions is not only a threat to public safety but also erodes trust in our legal framework."

The Peel Police Service Board, in collaboration with Peel Regional Police, is actively seeking to work with federal and provincial stakeholders to introduce legislative, policy, and resource-based reforms. These measures aim to address the deficiencies in the current bail system effectively.

"The safety of our community cannot remain secondary to procedural limitations. We need a bail system that reflects the realities of today’s challenges, particularly with the rise in serious offenses such as auto thefts, which have become a significant issue in Peel," added Iannicca. "We urge Minister Virani and all relevant stakeholders to support these necessary reforms to restore confidence and integrity in our judicial processes."

The Peel Police Service Board remains committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue and actions to ensure the implementation of effective solutions that will safeguard the community and strengthen the justice system.

-30-

Contact:

Robert Serpe

Executive Director

Peel Police Service Board

905-458-1340

robert.serpe@peelpoliceboard.ca