Dear Editor,
I am extremely frustrated with the firearms charges laid against Edouard Maurice by the RCMP. Likely there are details we don’t know that may alter the public view of this case.
However, this is only one of multiple instances we have seen where charges have been laid against home owners protecting their property. When the intent of an intruder is unknown, extraordinary measures are justifiable.
There is no capacity that the RCMP have now or will ever have to provide an adequate response time when a crime is in progress. Supt. Gordon Sage was quoted in the local paper saying that more funding was needed for police resources. I support additional policing, though it would be great if they were not reduced to tax collection on traffic duty.
But, 100 more officers would not shorten the distance that an officer has to travel to arrive at a crime scene. The criminals will always have 40 minutes with a vulnerable property owner who should be allowed to safeguard his property and person and family.
The problem is the behavior that started the incident. This needs to be the focus of our attention. The only short term remedy that works is allowing people the latitude of providing for their own protection. Criminals increasingly see that home owners are the ones who will face the severe consequences. This only emboldens criminals, increasing the risk to our community.
Am I concerned about family breakdown that weaken the character of law breakers? Of course. But this is no reason to allow the whole of our society to become victim to crime. Protection is not provided by the courts, Corrections Canada is a failure, and too many home owners cannot expect satisfactory police response.
The solution will best be found in strong families and values once regarded as fundamental. These include understanding the importance of work, respect, civility, honesty, kindness, taking personal responsibility, and a willingness to be accountable. It would be appropriate to expect this of others. Protection for those who are vulnerable in our society should also be fundamental, and thank you to the police for making every effort to provide it. But this is also the reason that laying charges against those protecting their property is wrong.
Jim Kyle
Okotoks
