NCJ Number
94356
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1984) Pages: 133-146
Date Published
1984
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Most Canadians are satisfied with the way the police do their job, according to results of a study by the International Centre for Comparative Criminology.
Abstract
Twenty to 30 percent of the persons polled knew nothing about the social aspects of police work -public information programs, leisure activities for youth, prevention of crime, and family intervention measures taken during certain crisis situations. Those who are most dissatisfied with police forces are more often residents of Quebec Province, francophone, young, tenants, persons who feel insecure, and persons who have been victims of crime. In general, Canadians are reluctant to grant police forces more powers to combat crime. Approximately two-thirds of the persons polled believe that the powers of police forces in investigation and interrogation of persons are now adequate. Further, more people in the sample would like to see police power reduced than would want these powers increased. Almost two-thirds of the persons polled would remove or reduce the powers of electronic eavesdropping, opening mail, and having access to personal files. In addition, the degree of satisfaction with the police is related to the various levels of understanding of reality. References are appended. (Author abstract modified)