ROLE OF THE POLICE IN PREVENTING LOSSES, ITS ROLE IN LABOUR DISPUTES, HOSTAGE TAKING, EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR IN-HOUSE SECURITY DEPARTMENTS, AND IMPROVING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

• NCJ Number: 48569
• Journal: Canadian Police Chief Volume: 67 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL 1978) Pages: 5-8
• Author(s): H ADAMSON
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 4 pages
• Corporate Author: Canadian Assoc of Chiefs of Police
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: PRESENTED AT THE 1977 CRIME IN INDUSTRY SEMINAR, CANADA

Annotation

THE CRIME PREVENTION ROLE OF THE POLICE IN COOPERATION WITH THE SECURITY AND LOSS-PREVENTION DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS IN REDUCING LOSSES IS DISCUSSED.

Abstract

THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION ROLE IN RELATION TO BUSINESSES INCLUDES CHECKING THEIR PREMISES TO DETERMINE DEGREES OF INSECURITY AND VULNERABILITY. A PATROL OFFICER FINDING AN INSECURE BUILDING REPORTS IT TO THE CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER, WHO IN TURN CONTACTS THE MANAGER OF THE PREMISES AND MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING SECURITY. PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS PAID TO ADVISING BUSINESSES WHICH HAVE EXPERIENCED BREAK-INS. IN 1975, A NEW PROCEDURE WAS ADOPTED BY THE POLICE FORCE OF METROPOLITAN TORONTO, CANADA, TO DEAL WITH BURGLAR ALARM RESPONSE AND REPORTING. BECAUSE OF THE TREMENDOUS WASTE OF POLICE MAN-HOURS DUE TO FALSE ALARMS, ALL ALARMS ARE NOW BEING DOCUMENTED. CHRONIC FALSE ALARM PROBLEMS ARE INVESTIGATED BY A CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER, WHO TAKES APPROPRIATE STEPS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION ROLE IN RELATION TO LABOR DISPUTES INCLUDES THE CONTACTING OF COMPANIES ANTICIPATING STRIKES TO OBTAIN THE PROBABLE NUMBERS OF STRIKING AND NONSTRIKING EMPLOYEES, HOURS OF WORK, AND A DIAGRAM OF THE COMPANY PREMISES; DETERMINE WHETHER THE COMPANY WILL CONTINUE SHIPPING AND RECEIVING, AND VERIFY WHETHER PRIVATE SECURITY PERSONNEL ARE EMPLOYED OR WILL BE HIRED. A LIAISON OFFICER IS REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POLICE IN THE EVENT OF PROBLEMS. EXECUTIVES OF THE UNIONS ABOUT TO STRIKE ARE CONTACTED, ALONG WITH PICKET CAPTAINS, TO OUTLINE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE LAW RELATING TO PICKETING. THE POLICE HAVE PROVIDED GUIDELINES FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF HOSTAGE-TAKING AND MADE THEM AVAILABLE TO ALL BUSINESSES. EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR INHOUSE SECURITY DEPARTMENTS EMPHASIZE BASIC FACTS ABOUT CRIMINAL LAW; THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE NATURE OF THE POWERS OF ARREST WITHOUT A WARRANT. BRIEF COMMENTS ARE OFFERED ON TREND WEAKNESSES IN THE OVERALL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WHICH MAY UNDERMINE CRIME PREVENTION, INCLUDING RELAXATION OF VAGRANCY LAWS THAT PERMIT POLICE TO CONTROL BEHAVIOR LIKELY TO LEAD TO CRIMES, LIBERALIZED PRETRIAL RELEASE, LIGHT SENTENCES AND QUICK PAROLE FOR SERIOUS CRIMES, AND A GROWING BACKLOG OF CASES IN THE COURTS. (RCB)