CPA considers the federal government's proposals on young offenders as a step<br>in the right direction

OTTAWA, Jan. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Police Association (CPA) having looked into the new measures proposed by the federal Minister of Justice regarding young offenders, considers that they would certainly lead to further consistent efforts in strengthening the future application of the Act. "These measures are a step in the right direction", said CPA President, Charles Momy.

As the CPA position paper stated in 2008, "The Canadian Police Association seeks amendments to young offender laws that will instill meaningful, measured consequences for convicted offenders, taking into account the seriousness of the offence, deterrence to others, and the offender's potential for reform."

We must bear in mind the fact that the new proposed measures are intended for a small portion of young Canadian offenders, namely those repeat and violent offenders. Legislation regarding these types of young offenders must provide for an appropriate response from everyone called to act in such cases.

In the vast majority of other cases, the CPA believes that rehabilitation is still the best way to handle these youths.

CPA President Charles Momy added that these new measures "would be a means to better protect citizens in their communities."

The CPA is the national voice for approximately 57,000 police personnel serving across Canada. Through our 160 member associations, CPA membership includes police personnel serving in police services from Canada's smallest towns and villages as well as those working in our largest municipal cities, provincial police services, members of the RCMP, railway police, and First Nations police associations.

For further information: Mario Lafrance, Communications Officer, Tel.: [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]