NCJ Number
139213
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 34 Issue: 3-4 Dated: special issue (July-October 1992) Pages: 369-385
Date Published
1992
Length
17 pages
Annotation
In describing the findings of a 5-year study of Amerindian police occurrence reports in Quebec, Canada, this paper examines the police role on 25 reserves; crime rates; and offender, offense, charge, and disposition characteristics of cases.
Abstract
The study indicates that native criminality is characterized by higher than average crime rates, more violent and social disorder offenses, and fewer property offenses. Conspicuously absent are crimes for profit, such as drug trafficking, fraud, and prostitution. Rather, the findings suggest families in crisis and communities in need of services, particularly in relation to alcohol abuse. The volume of charges and detention orders appears to be higher on Indian reserves than in the general population. In addition, study evidence indicates higher police-population ratios and dependency on the police for many types of mediation and intervention. Amerindian police thus have a more important role than provincial and Federal police forces in crisis intervention and the provision of social services. The author concludes that the creation of an Amerindian Police Force may be a positive step, but not a final solution, toward greater autonomy for native communities. 11 references, 1 note, and 15 tables