Chapter 4 Flashcards
Where was the first full time police established ?
In London, 1829 by Sir Robert Peel and was made in response to increasing fear of crime/disorder
Before confederation (1867) how were “laws” enforced?
Laws were enforced informally by community residents.
What was the problem with growing communities ?
Growing communities needed more law and order.
Pubs in smaller communities were basically the “police” back then
Where did the first constables appear in Canada ?
First police constables were in Quebec City and in upper Canada in the mid 1600s
Had a lot of responsibilities too like collecting taxes, building inspectors and chimney inspectors
What happened with Provincial Police in 1867 ?
All provinces had their own forces
Only Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland still have their own Provincial Police Force
What exactly was the RCMP and its problems ?
- Originally North-West Mounted Police
- Founded in 1873, had internal difficulties, resented by settlers and federal legislators. Had problems with desertion, resignation and improper conduct. Attempted phaseout in the 1920s
What other features of the RCMP does this Federal Police have ?
The RCMP can be contracted to act as a Provincial Police force and it is also one of the largest police organization in the world with 70,00 police officers in Canada.
” 199 per 100,000 Canadians’
Are police created by statutes ?
Yes, all police organizations have some type of legislation in place. ( Including the RCMP )
What is the Blue Wall of silence ( or in Canada, the Red Wall ) ?
It is a type of “brotherhood” or culture of men in which police officers and officials won’t “snitch” on fellow police officers.
What is “discretion” ?
Discretion is a word used to describe the decision making powers that police officers have.
( When pulled over police can decided between a warning or to give a ticket, in severe cases having to choose between firing weapon or not )
What are the 4 categories of police misconduct and wrongdoing ?
- Violations of departmental regulations/standards of conduct ( Can’t have a dirty uniform, this is considered disrespectful to superiors )
- Abuse of discretionary powers and authority
( Abusing power over citizens) - Actions (often criminal), that undermines the administration of police ( Tampering with evidence, accepting bribes, on-duty officer doing bad stuff )
- Commission of a criminal offence ( Off-duty driving home drunk, police officer running a drug lab )
What are some ways police can be held accountable ?
- Politically
- Legally
- Administrative agencies ( complaint commission,etc)
- Direct public ( They work for the citizens, we pay taxes which is for safety in which police has to give )
How is the police viewed generally ?
Police are generally viewed positively by the public.
Except when a serious event happens, like over kill for a supposed lethal threat which is abusive powers, etc
What is the Internal Investigation Unit ?
Investigated by another police organization which is more honest and stuff can’t be “ swept under the carpet” or “hidden away”
( Was the use of force for a certain event abusive, overkill? ,etc )
What are the 4 levels of police in Canada ?
- Federal Police
- Provincial
- Regional
- Municipal
