NCJ Number
199914
Date Published
2003
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This textbook, which is the second in the Police Powers series, was designed to provide a current and comprehensive knowledge about the many aspects and responsibilities of police organizations in Canada.
Abstract
Among the many topics covered in the textbook are issues related to civilian governance, police oversight, police ethics and discipline, police labor relations, First Nations policing, police officer safety, work-related stress, and workplace protection. Included in each chapter is an extensive list of resources and references, as well as learning objectives, discussion questions, and activities. Chapter 1 focuses on the concept of civilian governance and accountability in Canada. In addition to defining the key terms, this chapter examines various forms of civil governance in Canada, including committees of council, police commissions, and police service boards. Models of civilian governance in Britain are presented and notions of police independence and accountability are considered. Chapter 2 discusses civilian oversight of policing, including an examination of the “cycle of police oversight” and the general features of an oversight system. Chapter 3 presents a discussion of police discipline and ethics, which includes a critical look at various approaches to police discipline. In the examination of police ethics, the author emphasizes the recently developed model of ethics that was developed under the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Chapter 4 examines police labor relations, with attention given to the historical growth of police unions and associations in Canada. The roles of these organizations are presented, especially as they relate to their membership and the Canadian justice system. Chapter 5 presents an overview of First Nations policing, including its goals and the growth and development of on-reserve and off-reserve First Nations policing. Chapter 6 examines police use of force, including elements of the use of force continuum. Also included in this chapter is an emphasis on the recently approved national use of force framework, which was approved in principle by the executive of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Finally, chapter 7 provides an overview of police officer safety, stress, and workplace protection. A discussion of the physiology of stress is accompanied by an examination of the difficult demands that characterize police work, including issues such as shift work and posttraumatic stress disorder. Stress management techniques are discussed and support systems available to police officers are presented.