NCJ Number
59013
Journal
CRIME ET/AND JUSTICE Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (1978) Pages: 188-193
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE COMPLEXITY OF POLICING IN CANADA, THE NUMEROUS RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS WITH WHOM THE POLICE OFFICER MUST DEAL, AND THE GROWING SOPHISTICATION OF CRIME MAKE EDUCATION AND TRAINING ESSENTIAL FOR POLICE OFFICERS.
Abstract
POLICING IN CANADA IS AN IMPORTANT CONCERN. AT THE END OF 1976 THERE WERE 51,629 SWORN POLICE OFFICERS IN CANADA, OR 1 OFFICER FOR EVERY 500 CITIZENS. THE COST OF POLICING WAS $1.1 BILLION, A FIGURE EXPECTED TO RISE TO $7 BILLION BY 1985. IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE FOR CANADIAN TAXPAYERS, WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE INCREASING COSTS OF POLICING, TO DEMAND A GOOD DEAL MORE FROM THEIR POLICE OFFICERS. MORE OFTEN THE POLICE ARE INVOLVED IN FAMILY DISPUTES, HOSTAGE-TAKING DRAMAS, RESCUING THOSE WHO TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS, AND COUNSELING YOUNG PEOPLE. MANY OF THESE DUTIES WERE UNHEARD OF EVEN AS RECENTLY AS 15 YEARS AGO. LESS THAN 2 PERCENT OF ARRESTS IN CANADA LEAD TO A COMPLAINT. HOWEVER, EVEN THESE FEW COMPLAINTS POINT OUT THAT CITIZENS EXPECT AN ADEQUATE UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY NORMS, RESPECT FOR ETHNIC AND RACIAL DIFFERENCES, AND A PROFESSIONAL MANNER WHEN ENFORCING THE LAW. POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO TRY TO PREVENT CRIME, AS WELL AS APPREHEND OFFENDERS AFTER A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED. THE ONLY WAY A POLICE FORCE CAN FULFILL THESE EXPECTATIONS IS THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING. THOSE RECRUITING YOUNG OFFICERS MUST LOOK FOR PERSONS WITH A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE. GOOD TRAINING MUST BE OFFERED AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER EDUCATION MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE. BOTH POLICE ACADEMIES AND THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES MUST WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL. (GLR)