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“The freedom of the press still furnishes that check upon government which no constitution has ever been able to provide.” – Chicago Tribune

No guns on buses or in public housing: Justice not Jails

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Justice not Jails condemns the CLP government’s plans to make Transit Safety and Public Housing Safety Officers into fully armed members of the police force.

This latest announcement is emblematic of the CLP’s destructive approach to community safety. Instead of addressing the drivers of so-called "anti-social behaviour," the CLP is increasing the likelihood of violence, arrest, and deaths in custody.

Guns do not belong on buses, in public housing complexes, or in shopping centres. Their presence makes people feel less, not more, safe. This announcement comes one week after the CLP government announced it would be giving pepper spray to certain members of the public. The CLP Government is rolling out these initiatives in the name of victims of crime, but victims are not served by knee-jerk "tough on crime" measures that increase the risk of violence.

The CLP seems intent on spreading weapons through our community and stoking fear, instead of supporting Indigenous-led and community-driven initiatives to keep people safe.

Ally Sara.

Image from Glock website