Vancouver Police chief Steve Rai  is calling new federal legislation that will improve access to information about offenders who use smartphones and the internet to commit crimes a pragmatic and sensible approach that balances police powers and privacy rights. "The growth of modern smartphones and telecommunications networks has brought rapid and dramatic change to the world around us. While many of these changes have made our lives easier, they have also created new opportunities for criminals who use telecommunications to plan, execute, and finance crimes that threaten public safety," says Chief Rai, who hosted a roundtable discussion Friday that included local police leaders, along with federal and provincial legislators.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Police chief Steve Rai  is calling new federal legislation that will improve access to information about offenders who use smartphones and the internet to commit crimes a pragmatic and sensible approach that balances police powers and privacy rights.

"The growth of modern smartphones and telecommunications networks has brought rapid and dramatic change to the world around us. While many of these changes have made our lives easier, they have also created new opportunities for criminals who use telecommunications to plan, execute, and finance crimes that threaten public safety," says Chief Rai, who hosted a roundtable discussion Friday that included local police leaders, along with federal and provincial legislators.

"Unfortunately, existing laws have not kept pace with these technological changes. As a result, the work of identifying offenders, solving crimes, and keeping our communities safe has become more difficult. While Bill C-22 is just one step, I believe it is a step in the right direction – one that balances the operational needs of police with the privacy rights of citizens.

Chief Rai's comments came following the introduction of Bill C-22 – federal legislation that would help streamline the legal process for police to identify people who use telecommunications devices and the internet to commit crime.

"The tools proposed in Bill C-22 would make it easier for police officers to identify which telecommunications service provider an offender may be using to commit crimes. This would allow investigators to move more quickly to serve production orders and secure critical evidence," added Chief Rai.

"While this proposed legislation represents a significant step forward, it also ensures that any private information gathered during a criminal investigation is obtained lawfully and in full compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."