2002/03 Annual Service Plan Report Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

I am pleased to introduce the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 2002/03 Annual Service Plan Report. This report provides an update on the ministry's activities and performance during the fiscal year April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003.

Safe communities and an efficient and fair system of justice continue to be key priorities for our government. All areas of the ministry work together and in partnership with communities to protect our citizens and maintain law and order to ensure the security and economic vitality of communities throughout British Columbia.

Following what we learned from the 2001 core review of ministry programs and services, we have furthered our commitment to enhance public safety and provide safer streets and schools in every community. We've followed through on a number of strategic shifts, including: enhancing the effectiveness of police agencies through technological and operational changes; moving toward a new supervision model to target resources on managing high-risk offenders to ensure the maximum level of protection to the public; encouraging community ownership of community-based crime prevention programs; and reducing the number and complexity of regulations in the liquor, gaming and consumer industries.

This report reflects our continued efforts to fulfil our New Era commitments. Subsequent reports will detail the ministry's success in implementing the service plan signed on January 31, 2003.

Honourable R. T. (Rich) Coleman
Solicitor General
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

June 19, 2003