Lower Mainland mayors are pushing for a regional court-watch system so they can keep close tabs on court decisions.
The idea was discussed on Thursday, during an emergency meeting of regional mayors, who are looking for ways to deal with rampant gang violence.
Police are backing the idea.
"The police are held to a very high level of accounting by the media and the public and frankly, every level of the justice system should be held to that same level,'' said RCMP Sgt. Tim Shields.
Mayors who participated in the meeting, said they are concerned by the surge in gang activity and want to see somthing done. "They [gangs] do not fear anything that we are doing,'' said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts.
At the meeting, mayors came up with a list of changes they want from Ottawa, many of which involve the courts. They left with some good news.
The RCMP will be getting reinforcements in the form of officers borrowed from other parts of the country, who will soon be here.
"We have been in contact with our national headquarters and they recognize these are unique circumstances,'' said RCMP Chief Superintendent Fraser Macrae.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Michele Brunoro
