Kyla Lee

B.C.’s attorney general and solicitor general said last week’s talks with the federal government over bail reform were a success, but as Emad Agahi reports, there are doubts about what kind of repeat offenders will be affected by the change.

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“Instead of the state having to prove why you should be denied bail, you have to prove why should be granted bail. It’s likely that we’re going to see changes to the Criminal Code to create reverse onus bail in situations of violent offences – probably those specifically involving firearms.”

“I think that we will not see as many changes as what the provinces are asking for. Particularly, when it comes to people who are on bail for repeat property crime offences…”

Watch here.

The province’s distracted driving laws are under the microscope again. Last week we told you about how police and even ICBC — don’t fully understand the rules. Experts tell Global News the confusion is a clear indicator that the laws need to be rewritten. Aaron McArthur reports.

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“So we also have a problem where the federal government is not talking to the provincial government when it comes to regulating technology in vehicles…”

Watch/read the story here.

The Vancouver Police Department is under scrutiny after Elijah Barnett, an innocent man, was wrongfully arrested and shot with rubber bullets while walking his friend’s dog in Yaletown last week. The police were responding to reports of a suspect in a violent home invasion in Calgary, and believed that Barnett was the suspect. However, they realized their mistake within minutes of taking him into custody. Barnett suffered injuries, cuts, and bruises as a result of the arrest.

“I remember walking out of the apartment building and the next thing I remember I’m on the ground and they attacked me from behind,” said Barnett.

Justice is difficult to get in cases of police misconduct

Kyla Lee explained, “The office of the police complaints commissioner will do an investigation and they’ll determine if there’s been a violation on behalf of the police, but they can’t really award compensation for injuries that were suffered.”

“In order to get compensation you have to sue the police and that can be a lengthy, expensive and time-consuming process,” Lee added.

The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner will conduct an independent review of the circumstances of Barnett’s arrest. Barnett is seeking accountability for the officers involved, including their suspension without pay and ultimately being charged. Meanwhile, the suspects involved in the Calgary home invasion have been arrested and charged.

Learn more about the story here.