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Expansion of repeat offender program would be welcome: Kelowna RCMP

RCMP superintendent would like to spaces added to Repeat Violent Offender Initiative
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Kelowna RCMP Supt. Kara Triance. Photo | Contributed

Kelowna’s top police officer would like to see more spaces added to a provincial program aimed at reducing violent and property crime. 

During a report to the council on Sept. 9, RCMP Superintended Kara Triance noted the Repeat Violent Offender Initiative (RVOI) has shown success in decreasing property and violent crime in the city.

“That program is currently at capacity given the assigned resources that they have," she said. "We certainly would look to include in that…also repeat property crime offenders.”

The RVOI aligns BC Prosecution services, probation services, and the police in dealing with the same prioritized offenders placed in a hub.

There are several hubs across the province, including the Central Okanagan which has 40 spots for repeat offenders.

“At this point, it is capped at those who are demonstrating violence in our community, but we would like to also include those who are not violent but (display) continued problematic property crime-related offences,” Triance added.

Mayor Tom Dyas noted the partnership between council and the RCMP has resulted in a drop in Kelowna’s Crime Severity Index (CSI).

The index, which measures the overall seriousness of crime year over year, is down 7.3 per cent since 2022.

Triance’s report also stated that the city’s property crime rate continues to drop from 2022 numbers (3,663 incidents) to 2,707 incidents for 2024, and an overall decline of 11 per cent compared to 2023 (3,026 incidents).



Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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