CentreBC pledges 500 new RCMP officers and 60 Crown prosecutors to tackle street disorder

CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko has unveiled her party’s plan to address street disorder and repeat offending, promising 500 additional RCMP officers, 60 more Crown prosecutors and expanded rehabilitation services.

Sturko said the plan would strengthen public safety by providing police and prosecutors with more resources while addressing underlying mental health and addiction issues through rehabilitation and long-term support.

Under the proposal, CentreBC would hire 500 additional RCMP officers over five years and add 60 Crown prosecutors across British Columbia. The party also plans to double annual funding for the SITE and CSTEP programs, which focus on repeat and violent offenders, to approximately $26 million, with dedicated prosecutors.

By 2028-29, the party proposes opening two voluntary recovery units within BC Corrections, one for men and another for women. Both units would undergo independent evaluations to assess their impact on reoffending and overdoses.

Within its first 100 days, a CentreBC government would formally ask the federal government to amend its prosecution directive to allow charges for public drug possession and possession involving repeat offenders. The party said alternative measures and restorative justice would be used where appropriate to connect individuals with care.

Sturko said enforcement and treatment should work together, adding that accountability, rehabilitation and long-term support are essential to reducing crime and protecting communities.

The party said its broader approach combines stronger law enforcement, accountability and rehabilitation to improve public safety across the province.