With the level of crime being what it is locally, it’s no surprise that people are frustrated and looking for answers.
Oftentimes in the comments of our articles regarding an RCMP press release or court story, I see readers offering their suggestions and outlining the problems with the justice system.
I’m glad to see that there are rarely any negative opinions about our local police officers because they’re some of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.
What is concerning is a number of the solutions I see repeatedly are that if regular citizens go after criminals that will somehow solve the problem. If regular citizens were allowed access to criminal records, then that would somehow make everything safer and stop the amount of crime that happens.
All it would do is create more problems and offenders.
I don’t see anything good happening from people getting together in mobs to target criminals, because members of that group would get in trouble for their actions. Those who participated would then be wanted by the police, and a whole new issue is created.
The reality I see happening, would be an innocent bystander getting hurt or property being damaged during a scuffle.
Unless we’re trained like the RCMP to handle dangerous situations, we shouldn’t have to handle them by choice.
If your property is broken into or someone tries to steal your belongings, protecting yourself and your loved ones is the only situation you should have to contemplate going up against a criminal.
If you really want to help address crime, I strongly suggest going into a career in the justice system or writing to your local MLA or MP.
As pop culture has proven time and time again when regular people try to step into a role as vigilantes they normally do more harm than good. It’s because they’re working outside of the law, even if they’re targeting those that deserve the punishment dished out.
I completely understand the frustration people feel and how hard it is not to feel safe in your home or community. But, going out with a hit list of local criminals with your friends isn’t the answer and shouldn’t be an option no matter what. All it would do is create more offenders and more issues the police have to handle.
