NCJ Number
193524
Date Published
2000
Length
153 pages
Annotation
The objective of this study was to address the current and future human resource challenges of law enforcement in Canada.
Abstract
This study included a diagnosis of the human resource problems facing the public policing sector and developed recommendations for action. The study provided information on both a provincial and national level. Specifically, the study provided a comprehensive analysis of elements of the current operating and public policy environment in which police services function; identified emerging trends provincially and internationally that have an impact on the sector, particularly its human resources and explored the likely impact on police services in Canada; developed an employment profile; provided an analysis of potential recruits and employees; and developed an understanding of the likely directions for the sector in the future and examined any other human resource issues appropriate to this project. Some key pressures faced by police services across the country included changes within the legal environment, increasing fiscal pressures, immigration patterns and changing demographics, increased desire to meet unique client needs of equity groups, increased geographic needs of organized crime, technological advances, and white-collar crime. The changing police force, which includes an aging personnel, the need for a representative workforce, and new policing skills, demands that law enforcement respond in kind. Among the emerging issues are adequate training facilities, high recruitment needs, attrition of personnel, compensation and management of overtime. Recommendations include placing an emphasis on attracting talent to law enforcement, increasing sector-wide efficiencies, improving the police sector’s human resource planning capacity, improving labor-management relations, and increasing funding and resources. Appendices