City cops hope new federal legislation aimed at taking back the streets from gangs will put gang members in jail where they belong, they said Thursday.
Tory Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said Thursday proposed amendments that will stiffen sentences for gang hits, shootings and add additional protection for law enforcement.
Staff Sgt. Gord Eiriksson of the organized crime unit said the proposed legislation could potentially take dangerous gang members out of society for a minimum of 25 years for murder.
“They’re gone, they can serve their penance and they can live and die in jail, and that’s where they belong,” he said.
While police admit they didn’t have a lot of time to look over the legislation, they are optimistic it will make a difference in the war against gangs, spokesperson Kevin Brookwell said.
But he added police are still dealing with other issues. “The code of silence … that’s a big issue,” Brookwell said, adding police need people to come forward with information to help get convictions.
