Compliance checks in North Bay, Ont., find half of people on bail violated release conditions

North Bay project shows problems with bail In what police are call proof the system needs repairs, almost half of people North Bay police checked on were violating bail conditions.

In what police are calling proof the system needs "repairs," almost half of the people North Bay police checked on recently were violating their bail conditions.

The compliance checks were part of a larger campaign dubbed Project Genesis, which not only checked on people on bail, but included a number of people wanted on arrested warrants.

"In total, officers cleared 104 arrest warrants for a variety of offences including sexual assault, assault with a weapon, theft, mischief, disguise with intent, robbery with violence, impaired operation, possession of controlled substances and a variety of firearms related charges," police said in a news release Tuesday.

"The oldest warrant we had was from 2004," Sgt. David Wright said.

"This person was on the run for 20 years. Eventually it always catches up to you."

In addition to warrants, police checked on 36 people who were freed on bail for offences including, robbery, arson, domestic assault, assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, sexual assault and attempted murder.

"Of those, 17 offenders were found to be non-compliant with their release conditions and were charged accordingly," the release said.

"This amounts to a 53 per cent compliance rate."

"Seeing that many people are not abiding by their conditions, whether it be a curfew, whether it be abstaining from contacting a victim, it just goes to show again that, you know, the bail system could use some repairs," said Insp. Jeff Warner.

"Fifty-three per cent of people were compliant … if I'm being honest, not a good number," Wright added.

"It's not a high number. That just shows that there is work to be done."

All 11 sex offenders police checked on were complying with their reporting requirements.

"Multiple individuals wanted on warrants as well as one offender who was found to be violating their bail conditions were also found with illegals drugs and, in one instance, a prohibited weapon, all of which led to additional charges," police said.

In total, the project resulted in the seizure of approximately $22,700 of drugs, $590 in Canadian currency and one switchblade.

"There were quite a few people who were surprised to see us checking their release conditions," said Const. Christina Buckland.

"So that was surprising to me."

How to provide a tip

If you have information about an individual who is violating their bail or probation conditions or who is wanted on a warrant, contact the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer.

In an emergency, dial 911. To remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.