NCJ Number
86492
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (1982) Pages: 179-187
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This address proposes a system of police accountability in Canada that would strike a balance between local policing accountable to local authorities and Federal policing accountable to the Federal Government, based upon on a division of the criminal code into local and Federal violations.
Abstract
Because of the plurality of histories and cultures among the Canadian people, local autonomy should have high priority so that jurisdictions with particular cultural identities and values can exercise control over their maintenance. Criminal law, however, should continue to be enacted by the Parliament so as to have a uniform definition of crime and sanctions throughout the country. The criminal code should be reviewed, however, to distinguish those laws that might be appropriately enforced by local police and those that might properly be enforced by a Federal police force. Currently, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police police the country through some 200 contracts with local authorities. This system developed because local authorities have been unable to develop well-trained, effective police forces. This situation is changing to the point that many localities are able to train and equip an effective force. The local force would have responsibility for enforcing criminal law that would apply to violations within their district. The force would be accountable to local authorities. The Federal police force would only enforce those laws applying to criminal acts that threaten the Nation as a whole or broad regions of the country.