Natives and Criminal Justice Policy - The Case of Native Policing

• NCJ Number: 94357
• Journal: Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1984) Pages: 147-160
• Author(s): C T Griffiths; J C Yerbury
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

Efforts to improve the delivery of justice services to native communities in Canada have been largely unsuccessful because of failure to consider the policing requirements and the great diversity of native communities.

Abstract

In many jurisdictions, relations between the police and native communities are characterized by hostility and distrust. During the last decade, the Federal Government has attempted to improve police relations with natives by increasing the involvement of natives in the delivery of justice services to their communities. One of the more significant policy initiatives is Option 3b, which provides for the recruitment, training, and deployment of natives as special constables by the provincial police forces. However, the program is afflicted by a number of difficulties that may significantly hinder its attempts to improve police-native relations and to provide policing services that meet the requirements of native communities. Police officers often have stereotypical views of natives, a limited understanding of native lifestyles and culture, and operate under organizational policies and practices that hinder the development of non-law enforcement relationships with native communities. Many natives have little knowledge about the criminal justice system, the role of policing within it, and their legal rights as Canadian citizens. Problems include role conflict and stress among the native constables and a continuing lack of communication and understanding between native band councils and communities and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as provincial, and Federal governments. The difficulties afflicting the program will not be easily remedied. The complexities of native policing and the needs of reserve communities must be addressed before any further initiatives are implemented to improve the delivery of justice services to native communities. A list of 40 references is attached.