Tough-on-crime measures should focus on those most at risk

In an effort to restore public confidence and public order, lawmakers rush through a variety of short-term, draconian measures. Most Torontonians are, then, at relatively low risk of experiencing serious, violent crime. Those who have experienced homelessness within the last five years are at five times the risk of violent victimization, and those with disabilities are three times more likely to suffer a violent event. Homeless, mentally ill and other vulnerable individuals are therefore at considerably higher risk for victimization than others. And this casts the traditional debate between those advocating tough-on-crime measures and those proposing improved housing and health care in a very different light.