Matthew Claxton, Langley Advance; with files from the Vancouver Sun

There will be more cops on Lower Mainland streets, as part of anti-gang task forces.

While Langley Township Mayor Rick Green is happy to see more anti-gang officers hitting the streets, he said there are no plans this year to expand Langley's police forces.

Green said that so far, senior RCMP officers have told him they're happy with the force's staffing levels during budget discussions.

"From the police perspective, there's no request for an additional budget," Green said.

The mayor did not completely rule out any modifications to the policing portion of the budget.

"Nothing has been concluded on the budget," he said.

The Township is trying to find creative ways to look after every need, he said.

Meanwhile, Langley RCMP Supt. Janice Armstrong and assistant commissioner Peter German were scheduled to meet with the entire Township council at an in camera meeting Monday afternoon.

Green said he wanted the council as a whole brought up to speed on recent issues.

Langley has found itself in the sights of gangsters recently, as a gang war has raged up and down the Fraser Valley, resulting in half a dozen killings since the beginning of the year.

On Friday, Premier Gordon Campbell announced new funding and police officers to combat gangs and gang warfare in the province.

An additional 168 police gang specialists and 10 extra prosecutors are to be added or transferred to work on the problem.

At a press conference in Surrey, Campbell said the new police resources will almost double the number of officers dedicated to battling organized crime in B.C. to 368 at a cost of $69 million over three years.

The bulk of the police resources will go to special units like the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, the B.C. Integrated Gang Task Force, the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Unit and the Organized Crime Agency.

"It is clear from what has taken place over the last couple of days that we need to do more and we will," Campbell said.

Campbell also promised another $185 million for 304 new jail cells in Burnaby, Maple Ridge, and Prince George for 600 more inmates.

Criminal Code changes are also contemplated. Campbell wants to restrict the availability of armoured vehicles. Body armour such as bullet proof vests will be restricted to those without criminal records.

Making it more difficult for accused in gun-related crimes to get bail, and eliminating the two-for-one credit for time served awaiting trial are also on the agenda. However, changes to sentencing rules or the Criminal Code would need to take place in Ottawa.

A Langley group is organizing to pressure the federal government for changes.

Concerned Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform was organized with help from Langley MP Mark Warawa, and meets Thursday.

© Langley Advance 2009