Pubdate: Tue, 30 Dec 2014
Source: Ottawa Citizen ( CN ON )
Copyright: 2014 Larry Comeau
Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/letters.html
Website: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Larry Comeau

GANG GUN VIOLENCE: NO END IN SIGHT

Re: Shooting prompts call for action, Dec.  29.

With the 47th shooting in Ottawa at Bank and Slater streets early 
Monday morning, there seems little chance of gang gun violence ending 
anytime soon.

The huge profits to be made in the illicit drug trade is no doubt 
fuelling these shootings, with gangs trying to stake out their 
turf.  The Ottawa Police Service has done an admirable job, 
considering it's dealing with unco-operative gang member shooting 
victims and often very frightened witnesses.

The police will never solve this escalating problem on their 
own.  Our catch-and-release justice system is exacerbating the 
problem.  Our court system must stop releasing those using guns 
committing crimes so quickly.  Penalties for the convicted must be 
the toughest possible to send a strong deterrent message to others.

Larry Comeau, Ottawa, retired RCMP superintendent  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D