Priority Prolific Offender Program Alberta, Canada. Solicitor General & Public Security Public Security Division

Transcription

1 Priority Prolific Offender Program Alberta, Canada Solicitor General & Public Security Public Security Division

2 Priority Prolific Offender Program n Response to Alberta s Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force recommendation #19: take targeted action to address the serious problem of repeat offenders

3 Prolific Offender n Appears repeatedly before the courts with relatively low-level offences n Also known as: chronic, repeat or habitual offenders n Continues to offend while on release n Offences are not usually confined to one type of crime n May have very complex issues & needs n Crimes are not necessarily motivated by profit

4 Why Target Them? n Small portion of offenders are responsible for the majority of crime 15% of offenders % of all crime n Monopolize time & resources n Multiple court dates for minor crimes n Significantly impact the community n Typically receive light sentences

5 Priority Prolific Offender Program n Comprehensive Bail Package n Liaise with Crown n Co-ordinate Enforcement activities n Facilitate wrap around services

6 Selection Criteria 1. Frequently committing substantive offences 2. Committing substantive offences while on release 3. History of non compliance 4. Intelligence indicates offender active 5. Criminal behavior seriously impacts public safety and confidence in justice system 6. Medium to high risk to reoffend, based on risk assessments or police reports

7 Discretionary Criteria 1. Offenders behavior is correlated with addictions/mental health issues 2. Lack of stable residency and unemployment 3. Influential with other offenders resulting in criminal behavior amongst associates.

8 Access to Packages n Names flagged on CPIC, JOIN, ACOM, CoMIS, and OMS n Contact info listed Intranet Site n Package will be ed n Future S: drive or web based

9 PPOP Process Evaluation n Purpose: to analyze the implementation of the program Determine effectiveness and use of tracking tools Satisfaction of stakeholders Use of rehabilitative services for offenders n Contracted The Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family (CRILF)

10 Evaluation Methodology n Best practice literature review n Program Document Analysis n Interviews: Police Officers Sheriff Investigative Support Unit (SISU) PPOP Unit Staff Crown Prosecutors, Defense Counsel, Judges Treatment/Service Providers Priority Prolific Offenders

11 #1 Identify type of offenders referred & assess their views n Stakeholders selected offenders fit criteria n Offenders client engagement & voluntary participation important Appropriate program due to need for monitoring Benefits of having constant support available Aids in compliance with conditions Many report ceasing offending when fully engaged

12 #2 Examine Implementation & Growth Capacity n Criteria appropriate & used consistently Too broad, more discretion & community involvement n Consistent referral process not being used n Flagging offenders on databases is helpful n Monitoring need more resources, more awareness of SISU n CBPs provide complete/accurate information n Beginning to see justice efficiencies n Expansion welcomed

13 #3 Interventions Received & Experience Accessing Services n PPOP fulfilling role in providing services Ability to respond quickly Close communication and information sharing n Large range of services provided Little delay in receiving but could use more n Dedicate Crown would assist in responding n Formalized partnerships is best practice Not always in place

14 #4 Current Data Collection and Future Evaluations n Monthly aggregate program stats collected n Need to establish systematic data collection on individuals n Future evaluations Monitor & document outcomes and changes to program Analysis of cost and benefits of program

15 Conclusions & Recommendations n PPOP is promising and beneficial approach n Recommends: Development of Operations Manual Review of Comprehensive Bail Packages Funding/Resources Education and Awareness Process and Outcome Evaluation

16 PPOP Contact Information Menasha NIKHANJ Manager Desk (780) Lisa GAGNIER Researcher Desk (780)