NCJ Number
86109
Journal
Canadian Journal of Sociology Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1981) Pages: 33-52
Date Published
1981
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper examines a small sample of secret Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) communications as an indication of awareness of the ideological dilemma, evidence of 'editing processes' to produce 'bureaucratic propaganda,' and as examples of 'official deviance.'
Abstract
Conventional wisdom holds that police forces in democratic societies face a dilemma whenever the use of unlawful methods appears warranted to enforce the law. This dilemma is of greatest concern in consensus theories. In conflict theories, an 'ideological dilemma' emerges: police must maintain legitimacy by appearing to uphold the law equally for all, while acting preferentially to serve the powerful. The ability of the RCMP to resist labeling for official deviance, and maintain legitimacy, is considered in terms of organizational advantages not common in similar security services. About 40 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)