The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) president, Thomas Carrique, stated on 12/8 that Canadian law enforcement could better address transnational crime if the federal government had heeded the CACP's 2001 call for legal reforms.
"Across Canada, police grapple with the impacts of international instability, yet we're asked to address this with tools and authorities designed for a different era," Carrique said. "These tools rely on outdated and inadequate laws never designed to handle today's criminal landscape."
The CACP unites senior police leaders from all levels of government to enhance law enforcement effectiveness and protect Canadians.
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CACP President Thomas Carrique at a press conference in Ottawa in 2022. Photo: Canadian Press |
CACP President Thomas Carrique at a press conference in Ottawa in 2022. Photo: Canadian Press
According to Carrique, global social and geopolitical instability fuels new public safety threats in Canada. Police face transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extremism.
"Gangs exploit systemic blind spots, outdated regulations, and digital platforms to traffic people, drugs, weapons, and illicit precursors, harming Canadians," said Carrique, who is also the Ontario Provincial Police commissioner.
He added that the government's proposed Strong Borders bill doesn't adequately equip police to combat international crime.
Carrique highlighted loopholes needing revision to reflect 21st-century crime, such as the inability to obtain warrants for Canada Post parcels weighing under 500 grams.
"Not even a judge can authorize a search for such a parcel, even if it might contain enough fentanyl to kill numerous people," he explained.
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A police car in Toronto, Ontario, on 16/7. Photo: AFP |
A police car in Toronto, Ontario, on 16/7. Photo: AFP
Carrique reiterated the call for bail reform. The federal government pledged to introduce stricter bail conditions in upcoming crime legislation. "This will be crucial," he said.
Victoria, British Columbia, police chief Del Manek echoed the urgency for tighter bail conditions.
Manek said Victoria police arrested 16 people during a two-week crackdown on downtown disorder.
"What's striking is the number re-arrested after release. One individual, arrested one day, was re-arrested the next, near the same location, after receiving bail," Manek said. "We need a strengthened criminal justice system. There must be consequences and deterrence for daily criminal acts."
Carrique acknowledged Canada's declining crime rate, citing 2024 statistics showing a 4.1% drop in the Crime Severity Index.
"This reflects the exceptional work of police and social services. But we must balance this with public perception. Citing statistics isn't enough when people continue to be victims of crime," he said.
Duc Trung (According to CTV News, Canadian Press)
