Jan 30, 2014
Vancouver Sun – Ian Mulgrew
Chronic offenders need treatment, not incarceration, police chief says – ‘Punitive approach’ does not get at root causes of criminal activity: report
Delta (BC) Police Chief Jim Cessford has issued a report that says that the criminal justice system is not capable nor equipped to handle chronic offenders and that the only solution lies in “a multi-layered, collaborative approach” could address the underlying health and social problems behind the criminal behaviour.” http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Mulgrew+Chronic+offenders+need+treatment+incarceration+police+chief+says/9442046/story.html
Vancouver Sun – Kim Pemberton
Mexican woman lived like a “ghost” in Vancouver, was despondent after CBSA arrest – Outrage sparked by her suicide while in detention
Lucia Vega Jimenez was a 42 year old working illegally in Canada to support a mother with a heart condition in Mexico. Picked up before Christmas by the Canadian Border Services, she was robbed of $4,000 while in custody and hung herself in the shower of the detention cell, dying 8 days later in hospital. http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Mexican+woman+died+after+CBSA+arrest+hanged+herself+rather+than+deported/9442230/story.html#ixzz2rtT9EUbZ
Firstpost
U.N. sounds alarm on worsening global income disparities
The UN Development Program is warning in a report issued on Wednesday that income disparity around the world is creating new risks for global economic and political conditions. The report echoes remarks in the State of the Nation address by Obama on Tuesday evening. The UN estimates that the disparity has grown this year by 11% with the sharpest increases coming in developing nations. http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/u-n-sounds-alarm-on-worsening-global-income-disparities-1365673.html Related article: UN News Center – Warning of ‘humanity divided,’ UN urges job creation, inclusive growth strategies http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47039&Cr=inequality&Cr1= Related article: Pew Research Center – Rich Morin New academic study links rising income inequality to ‘assortative mating’ http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/01/29/new-academic-study-links-rising-income-inequality-to-assortive-mating
Restorative Justice Council
Launched today: the Restorative Service Quality Mark (RSQM)
The Restorative Justice Quality Mark is a set of standards developed by the Council to offer RJ organizations quality assurances in the delivery of the RJ services. Supported by the Ministry of Justice, the six standards were developed by experts and practioners in the field. http://www.restorativejustice.org.uk/news/rsqm_launch The Council offers a free self assessment using the RSQM questionnaire at the link. You must register and log-in: http://www.rsqm.org.uk/?utm_source=RJC+Members&utm_campaign=fa80320396-RJC_April_Members_Bulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_32f393e397-fa80320396-58581777
The Detroit News – Marisa Schultz
Conyers forms Full Employment Caucus
Long time Detroit Democrat Rep. John Conyers has decided to form a congressional caucus for employment. He thinks that a job would go a long way to address poverty and crime. Black and Hispanic unemployment is approaching 30%. Conyers also serves as the top democrat on the House Judiciary Committee and views the caucus as a way to help President Obama by-pass congress with measures that could be immediately effective. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140129/POLITICS03/301290102/Conyers-forms-Full-Employment-Caucus?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp
Guardian (UK) – Ben Nunn and Tom Sackville
Gang violence is a public health issue – A report examines whether health and wellbeing boards consider youth violence a strategic priority for local health services
In the UK the cost of violence to the National Health Services (NHS) is estimated at £2.9bn a year, some £200 million more than the amount given to local health authorities for their total health budget. http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/jan/30/youth-gangs-public-health-concern Analysis and full 48 page report in PDF format: Violence prevention, health promotion http://mhpccom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/health/files/2013/10/Violence-prevention-health-promotion.pdf