(JESSICA WALLACE / iNFOnews.ca)
April 11, 2013 - 3:10 PM
A fugitive recently sent half way across the country on outstanding warrants is part of an ongoing effort by local RCMP to maintain accountability and community safety.
The B.C. Fugitive Return Program takes individuals residing in B.C. with outstanding warrants in other provinces and ships them back out for prosecution.
The program is funded by the provincial government, managed by both the RCMP and Vancouver Police Department and it's helping break down barriers between provincial jurisdictions.
But it's not for those who have skipped out on a parking ticket.
"They've all had extensive backgrounds," said Kamloops RCMP Const. Dale Baker, the local program liaison.
Candidates are commonly involved in violent offences against vulnerable people, sexual crimes or organized crime.
The program maintains community safety by removing those who may be hiding out in the community.
Baker said criminals are often familiar with the legal system and are aware that there is no jurisdiction to apprehend them outside the province. They often flee by moving to another province after they've committed an offence.
The program not only removes criminals hiding out in local communities, but is also aimed at providing accountability for actions and restitution to victims.
In Kamloops, Dwayne Pearase was sent back to Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 22, on several outstanding warrants for robbery and failure to comply with probation orders.
The Kamloops RCMP Crime Reduction Unit identified him as an individual with a lengthy criminal record.
He has been well known to police with a record dating back to 2008 that includes convictions for assault, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, impaired driving and multiple failures in complying with court orders.
The B.C. Fugitive Return Program, Kamloops RCMP detachment and the B.C. Sheriff Service facilitated his return to Winnipeg where he will face prosecution for the outstanding charges.
Pearse is one of 35 wanted individuals have been removed from various regions in B.C. to the provinces where they have outstanding charges.
To contact a reporter for this story, email: jwallace@infotelnews.ca or call (250) 319-7494.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013