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Letter: Bail reform is needed in Canada

Letter-writer Dana Pretzer decries the state of the justice system and its treatment of offenders, and is calling for bail reform in Canada.
weyburn-court-house-fall-colours
Reader Dana Pretzer, a former police officer and court officer, is asking for bail reform to occur in Canada.

To the Editor

Have you ever read the directions on the back of a shampoo bottle? 

Lather, rinse repeat. Well, our Criminal Justice system, in particular bail, is very similar. 

Catch, release, then they repeat! 

It’s time for bail reform in this country.

With the recent day-time brazen machete attack in downtown Moose Jaw and hearing one of the accused dirt bags (yes, that my preferred name for the attackers – I hope they are not offended by that), had many warrants for his arrest does not surprise me. 

In my 33-year career in uniform, then three more years doing court liaison, it is a huge problem that the system has. Those who are released often reoffend, breaching their release conditions, and those on probation (which is a second chance) often breach that too. 

Do you know those that breach their probation often get sentenced to probation? Yup, it’s crazy for sure. It’s time the Federal Government, the Provincial Government, and local governments do something about it, and the people need to stand up and say, “We have rights too !”

This Hug-a-Thug mentality needs to stop. 

Remember this at the ballot box next election. 

Dana Pretzer, Weyburn