NORTH BATTLEFORD STRATEGY TARGETS YOUTH CRIME

A plan to reduce youth crime in North Battleford was announced today.

The three part strategy provides increased attention to children under 12 years of age, early intervention for low-risk offenders and an enhanced focus on repeat offending through implementation of the Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP).

The plan is particularly targeted to a small number of young people responsible for a significant amount of the property crime being committed in North Battleford. SHOCAP involves enforcement and strict supervision followed by treatment and intervention to reduce chronic re-offending and an increased level of partnership between the RCMP, youth workers, prosecutors and community agencies.

"Our experience has shown that partnerships and integration of services yield significant results," Justice Minister Eric Cline said. "Partnerships provide an opportunity to develop targeted approaches to unique problems."

"The North Battleford strategy will take a targeted, get-tough approach that includes tighter supervision, better co-ordination and more effective rehabilitation," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Andrew Thomson said. "This type of strategy has been very effective in reducing youth crime in other communities, like Regina, where it has helped reduce auto thefts by 37 per cent."

Assistant Commissioner Earl Moulton of the RCMP said, "Youth workers and police will ensure re-offending youth are strictly supervised when not in custody. Crown Prosecutors will go to court armed with comprehensive information about offenders including the risk they pose to public safety."

"It is important that our first steps are targeted toward strengthened accountability, monitoring and rehabilitation of those youth in conflict with the law," North Battleford Mayor Wayne Ray said. "The partners will continue to work together to develop next steps in this strategy."

Randy Wallace, CEO of the Battlefords Tribal Council said, "This strategy is part of a broader partnership between the City of North Battleford and the Battlefords Tribal Council to achieve economic and social development throughout the region."

Ministers Cline and Thomson said the impact of the strategy will be closely monitored and modified as needed.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-6043