Primed to Fight Crime with Video, Guidelines

Police officers will now have a new weapon to use in their fight against crime. An educational video designed to help teach everyone from seniors to pre-schoolers how to protect themselves was launched today by Justice Minister Michael Baker.

"Almost every day the media provides graphic and instant information about the latest home invasion, or assault in our community," said Mr. Baker. "We thought it was time that we provided information on how to prevent that crime as well."

The video features police officers in six different vignettes offering practical and common-sense advice on personal and home safety. The topics covered include home security, safety for seniors, personal safety, criminal harassment, bullying and street smarts for kids.

The 25-minute video is designed to assist community-based police officers and organizations to illustrate how one can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Supporting materials will also be available online. Members of the public can find out how to stay safe by logging on to www.gov.ns.ca/just/staysafe.htm .

The justice minister also outlined a tool for Crown attorneys to use when dealing with home invasions. Home Invasion Prosecution Guidelines were issued to Crown attorneys today. The guidelines establish clear criteria for what constitutes a home invasion robbery, cite applicable case law and outline the nature of sentencing for home invasion cases.

"I'm happy to say that our Crown attorneys have vigorously prosecuted these cases and their efforts have secured some of the stiffest sentences ever handed down in Canada for home invasions," said Mr. Baker. "These guidelines will help our Crown attorneys maintain that momentum."