Cobourg Police Service (CPS) continues to call for meaningful bail reform as it shares its 2025 year-to-date bail overview.
2025 Bail Statistics (January 1 – November 1 2025):
• Total cases reviewed: 142
• Released on bail: 73 releases (54 unique individuals)
• Remanded in custody: 69
• Several individuals (14) were released multiple times, showing a pattern of reoffending
Common charges include breaking probation or release conditions, property crimes, weapons offences, drug trafficking (cocaine and opioids), and violent crimes like threats and assault.
Budget Impact
Court administration totals 11.5 % of the total tax levy budget. This recognizes all legislated court functions not including court security. At minimum, the cost of bails (the time of arrest through the bail process, not including
investigative time) amounts to 3.75% of the 2025 overall tax levy budget.
Service and Community Impact
Frequent bail releases, especially for repeat and serious offenders, increase the workload for officers, strain the
courts, and raise public safety concerns. Managing bail compliance and monitoring reoffenders diverts resources from other priorities. Residents may feel less secure, victims may experience ongoing distress, and rapid cycling through the justice system makes prevention and rehabilitation more difficult.
CPS supports meaningful bail reform that prioritizes public safety, protects victims and first responders, and holds repeat and violent offenders accountable. Stronger bail provisions, tougher sentencing, clear and enforceable conditions, advanced investigative tools, and close collaboration with justice partners are critical to breaking the cycle of reoffending and restoring public confidence.
“As Chief of Police, my priority is the safety and well-being of our community, our officers, and our justice partners. The current bail system presents real challenges, especially when individuals facing serious charges, such as weapons offences and drug trafficking, are released and reoffend. Each case impacts not only our police service but also the courts and the community at large. Our officers work tirelessly to protect Cobourg, but the cycle of release and reoffending strains resources and puts victims and residents at risk. We are committed to working with our justice partners to ensure that bail decisions reflect the seriousness of the charges and the risk to our community.” – Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service
