Category: Halifax

Halifax police will continue to do what are called street checks despite a lack of proof they are effective.

The force has released data from the past 11 years showing that blacks are three times more likely to be stopped by police and checked out, based on their percentage of the population. A researcher says there’s no proof these checks are effective in lowering crime in HRM.

Police management, however, says there’s anecdotal evidence they are effective so they will continue them.

The Crown is appealing the sentence given to a Pictou County teacher for sex crimes involving two underage boys. Amy Hood was given 15 months house arrest after being convicted of sexual exploitation, sexual interference and child luring.

Judge Del Atwood dismissed the manadatory minimum jail sentence of two years in prison in the criminal code, calling it cruel and unusual punishment and a violation of her charter rights.

CBC reports the Crown is arguing in its appeal that the judge erred in rejecting the minimum and house arrest inadequately reflects the objectives of deterrence and denunciation.