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2- PORT PERRY STAR - Wednesday, May 20, 1998 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" a i pring Special | Until May 30th E { By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Proposed changes to the Young Offenders' Act (YOA) are a small step in the right direction to addressing juvenile crime, says Scugog's highest-ranking police officer. Inspector Chuck Mercier of 26 Division said that while the original Young Offenders' Act has done the job to a certain degree, he's pleased with changes the federal government plans to make to the legislation later this year. "The spirit of the Young Offenders' Act is a good idea," said Insp. Mercier. "Giving youths the opportunity to under- stand what they have done wrong crimi- it are positive." He agrees, however, that some improvements can be made to the much- criticized act. "The new changes that may allow the media to print the names of certain young offenders may help out; in some cases we need to protect the community from young offenders, and that too is a positive aspect." But he still likes the philosophy that first-time trouble-makers get a break. "If a young offender is caught and he's never been involved before in crime then, depending on the act, the justice system should allow the youth to realize the errors and get on with life. These kids don't need baggage for life just because they did something stupid when they were young." : Under the old YOA, youths under the age of 18 could not be named by media SETTLEMENT HOUSE SHOPS - Eastern Canada's Retailer of the Year - 20 years as a source & inspiration for country and casual decorating enthusiasts 183 Queen Street, Port Perry (905) 985-8234 HEALTH & BEAUTY NAME BRANDS SHAMPOO CONDITIONER ¢ SOAPS LOTIONS © BATH OIL » BATH SALTS AND MORE EREELLENT RRICINGY 9 RETAIL Police, school officials nally and the consequences that go with like new YOA changes and were tried in juve- nile court with only a few more serious crimes being trans- ferred to adult court. Under the proposed changes to the law, names of youths would be available to media in an attempt to deter juvenile Insp. Meéier crime, punishments would be more severe, and more trials would be held in adult court. Also agreeing that the changes are a positive step is the head of student ser- vices at Port Perry High School, David Toye. - "We're going to have to wait and see what it looks like when it is finalized," he said. "I haven't really looked at it enough to pass judgement, but the changes are long overdue. "There will be more accountability and it will show them what is right and what is wrong," said Mr. Toye. "I agree we need more changes; more accountability to say the least." He sees nothing wrong with violent youths being tried in adult court. "Those cases should be held in adult court and as far as releasing names.... a lot of people feel that is what needs to happen to straighten things up." Port Perry's probation and parole offi- cer, Kim King, refused to comment, citing ministry policy. "We'll have to wait and see. We don't know the full details yet," he said. s of ladies clothes. liquidate for them. EXCELLENT VARIETY AVAILABLE IN their prices. seasses 2B" AND UP ssnseness 89° AND UP weesne 8"? AND UP IETY OF PATTERNS AND COLOURS SSH HOLDERS MUG SETS & SOAP ASSORTED SIZES/ | ZomoiAE memes | OP 40700) BELOW RETAIL PRICES SOFAS * LOVESEATS RECLINERS « CHAIRS AND MORE *WE CAN ARRANGE DELIVERY FOR YOU* EA, Mn Jad Jf ames: LIQUIDATION WORLD = | NAME BRANDS. | (Old Zehrs) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TOUS nN - 4 Banff Rd. (& Hy. 47) MON-FRI 10am - 9pm WC Ris