Justice committee  Thank you for the question. They do exist, although not as often used as could be. When we talk about sureties, a financial surety, that can be a hardship for some of the folks in our communities. When you have other people who will step up as sureties, that is one area where my colleagues and I have noticed and expressed that there are opportunities to improve and perhaps tighten up some of the rules.

Justice committee  I'm sorry but I don't quite understand the question.

Justice committee  Thank you for the question. There is no question that the underlying issues that have led to bringing people into the police realm and the justice system have to be addressed. If we don't deal with the social issues, including mental health and whatever other circumstances people find themselves in, then clearly we're not getting to the root of the problem and we can expect that it will continue.

Justice committee  Thank you for the question. The short answer is that the RCMP is in the process of collecting and collating information as we speak. That information will be supplied to our public safety minister to assist him and the justice minister as they move forward in the bail reform process.

Justice committee  Thank you for the question. One of the frustrations that police officers have expressed in my time with the Association of Chiefs of Police, as have many other colleagues we work with, is that quite often the charges that are proposed, such as for failing to appear or for many breaches are either dealt away or stayed.

Justice committee  Thank you, good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation to appear before this committee today along with my law enforcement colleagues as you study Canada's bail system. I am Chief Superintendent Syd Lecky, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and commanding officer of G Division in the Northwest Territories.