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Priority Prolific Offender Program Alberta, Canada. Solicitor General & Public Security Public Security Division. Priority Prolific Offender Program. Response to Alberta’s Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force recommendation #19:
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Priority Prolific Offender ProgramAlberta, Canada Solicitor General & Public Security Public Security Division
Priority Prolific Offender Program Response to Alberta’s Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force recommendation #19: “take targeted action to address the serious problem of repeat offenders”
Prolific Offender Appears repeatedly before the courts with relatively low-level offences Also known as: chronic, repeat or habitual offenders Continues to offend while on release Offences are not usually confined to one type of crime May have very complex issues & needs Crimes are not necessarily motivated by profit
Why Target Them? Small portion of offenders are responsible for the majority of crime 15% of offenders - 50-60% of all crime Monopolize time & resources Multiple court dates for minor crimes Significantly impact the community Typically receive light sentences
Priority Prolific Offender Program Comprehensive Bail Package Liaise with Crown Co-ordinate Enforcement activities Facilitate wrap around services
Selection Criteria • Frequently committing substantive offences • Committing substantive offences while on release • History of non compliance • Intelligence indicates offender active • Criminal behavior seriously impacts public safety and confidence in justice system • Medium to high risk to reoffend, based on risk assessments or police reports
Discretionary Criteria • Offenders behavior is correlated with addictions/mental health issues • Lack of stable residency and unemployment • Influential with other offenders resulting in criminal behavior amongst associates.
Access to Packages Names flagged on CPIC, JOIN, ACOM, CoMIS, and OMS Contact info listed Intranet Site Package will be e-mailed Future – S: drive or web based
PPOP Process Evaluation • Purpose: to analyze the implementation of the program • Determine effectiveness and use of tracking tools • Satisfaction of stakeholders • Use of rehabilitative services for offenders • Contracted The Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family (CRILF)
Evaluation Methodology • Best practice literature review • Program Document Analysis • Interviews: Police Officers • Sheriff Investigative Support Unit (SISU) • PPOP Unit Staff • Crown Prosecutors, Defense Counsel, Judges • Treatment/Service Providers • Priority Prolific Offenders
#1 Identify type of offenders referred & assess their views • Stakeholders – selected offenders fit criteria • 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
#2 Examine Implementation & Growth Capacity • Criteria appropriate & used consistently • Too broad, more discretion & community involvement • Consistent referral process not being used • Flagging offenders on databases is helpful • Monitoring – need more resources, more awareness of SISU • CBPs provide complete/accurate information • Beginning to see justice efficiencies • Expansion welcomed
#3 Interventions Received & Experience Accessing Services • PPOP fulfilling role in providing services • Ability to respond quickly • Close communication and information sharing • Large range of services provided • Little delay in receiving but could use more • Dedicate Crown would assist in responding • Formalized partnerships is best practice • Not always in place
#4 Current Data Collection and Future Evaluations • Monthly aggregate program stats collected • Need to establish systematic data collection on individuals • Future evaluations • Monitor & document outcomes and changes to program • Analysis of cost and benefits of program
Conclusions & Recommendations • PPOP is promising and beneficial approach • Recommends: • Development of Operations Manual • Review of Comprehensive Bail Packages • Funding/Resources • Education and Awareness • Process and Outcome Evaluation
PPOP Contact Information Menasha NIKHANJ Manager Desk (780) 638-2877 Menasha.nikhanj@gov.ab.ca Lisa GAGNIER Researcher Desk (780) 644-2786 Lisa.gagnier@gov.ab.ca