WHEREAS the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has been advocating for greater services for victims, and
 
WHEREAS the Police Services Act provides that one of the five core police functions is the provision of assistance to victims of crime, and
 
WHEREAS the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is dedicated to working cooperatively to provide the highest possible level of services to victims, and
 
WHEREAS the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of the Attorney General, has publicly enunciated its commitment to victims of crime, and
 
WHEREAS the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, has publicly shown its support and commitment to victims of crime, and
 
WHEREAS the Victims’ Bill of Rights guarantees funding to provide consistent services to those affected by crime through every stage of the justice system, no matter where they are in Ontario, and
 
WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has instituted a Victim/Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) to improve witness confidence and provide direct support for victims involved in the court process.
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police call upon the Ministry of the Attorney General to expand the use of VCARS volunteers into the Victim/Witness Assistance Program.