Police and Political Science in Canada (From Police Powers in Canada: The Evolution and Practice of Authority, P 184-208, 1994, R.C. Macleod and David Schneiderman, eds. - See NCJ-157774)

• NCJ Number: 157784
• Author(s): D E Smith
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 25 pages
• Sale Source: University of Toronto Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

This paper discusses some of the reasons that political scientists in Canada have, to a great extent, ignored the study of police and policing as components of the political system.

Abstract

The author argues that political scientists, in their intent focus on the question of national unity, would be well-advised to study policing and its relationship to Federalism, accountability, and representation. Policing in Canada is also relevant to analyses of political culture, political socialization, and political stability, which are likely to preoccupy increasing amounts of attention on the part of political scientists. Because they operate independently and with a great deal of discretion, and because of their proximity to the communities they serve, police organizations constitute a determinative factor in establishing and affirming societal values. 64 notes