crime mid-term review

Question 1

CSI Effect

Answer 1

The CSI effect is the exaggerated portrayal of forensic science in crime-related TV shows
It influences public perception, leading people to expect more forensic evidence in real cases
also affects criminal behaviour, with offenders trying to cover their tracks more effectively

Question 2

Crime rate

Answer 2

It is used to measure to level of crime in a society
Crime rates refer to the number of crimes reported per 100,000 people
Crime rates may not always reflect the true level of crime due to unreported crimes

Question 3

Dark figure of crime:

Answer 3

The dark figure of crime refers to crimes that go unreported or are never recorded in official statistics
Reasons of underreporting:
Fear of retaliation
Lack of trust in the police
Belief that the crime is too minor
This means official crime rates may be lower than the actual number of crimes committed

Question 4

Attrition in the criminal justice system

Answer 4

Attrition is the process where cases filtered out as they move through the criminal justice system
Not all crimes lead to charges, trails, or convictions
Common points where cases drop out:
Not reported to the police
Insufficient evidence to proceed
Plea deals reducing charges
Acquittals or dismissed cases

Question 5

Victim Impact statement

Answer 5

A victim Impact statement allows crime victims (or their families) to describe the emotional, physical, and financial effects of the crime
Given before sentencing to help the judge understand the impact of the crime
Can influence sentencing but cannot determine the outcome

Question 6

Primary & Secondary Victims

Answer 6

Primary victims: Direct victims who experience the crime firsthand (e.g., an assault victim).
Secondary Victims: People affected indirectly (e.g., family members, witnesses, or friends of victim)

Question 7

Canadian Bill of Rights - Four key rights

Answer 7

The canadian bill of rights (1960) was canada’s first federal human rights law
Four key rights:
Right to life, liberty, and security of the person
Freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and association
Right to a fair hearing (due process)
Right to equality before the law

Question 8

Five Models of criminal justice

Answer 8

Crime Control Model - Focuses on efficiency, speed, and punishment. Prioritizes convicting criminals and protecting society.
Due Process Model - Focuses on protecting the rights of the accused. Emphasizes fair trials and legal protections.
Welfare Model - Views crime as a social issue and focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Community Change Model - Emphasizes crime prevention through social reforms, like better education, jobs, and housing.
Restorative justice Model - Aims to repair harm by involving victims, offenders, and the community in conflict resolution.

Question 9

Nova Scotia Mass shooting (April 18-19,2020)

Answer 9

One of Canada’s deadliest mass shooting, resulting in 22 deaths across multiple locations in Nova Scotia
Issues in the response:
Delayed public alert
Suspect Dressed as a Police Officer
Poor communication
Gun control issues
RCMP accountability

Question 10

Police officer workplace homicides

Answer 10

Police officers have the second highest workplace homicide rate, only behind workers in taxi services
Reasons for high risk
Confronting armed criminals
Responding to dangerous situations (e.g., domestic disputes, active shooters)
Being targeted for violence

Question 11

First Organized police force in english history

Answer 11

Developed by Sir Robert peel in 1829
Established the London Metropolitan Police, introducing modern policing principles (Peelian Principles)
His model emphasized:
Crime prevention instead of punishment
Police accountability to the public
Professional training for officers

Question 12

First Federal police force in canada

Answer 12

Dominion Police (1868) was Canada’s first federal police force
Responsibilities
Protecting government buildings
Investigating counterfeiting
Border security
Merged with the North-west Mounted police (NWMP) in 1920 to form the royal canadian mounted police (RCMP)

Question 13

Three tiers of policing in canada

Answer 13

Federal Level (RCMP)
Handles national security, federal law enforcement, and international investigations.
Provides contract policing for provinces without their own police forces.
Provincial/Regional Level
Includes forces like the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
Covers highway patrol, rural policing, and provincial laws.
Municipal Level
City police forces (e.g., Toronto Police Service, Vancouver Police Department).
Focuses on local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing.

Question 14

Which police force has the most officers?

Answer 14

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has the most officers in Canada, with over 20,000 members.
Largest municipal police force: Toronto Police Service (TPS) (~5,500 officers).
Largest provincial police force: Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) (~8,000 officers).

Question 15

Only three provinces have provincial police

Answer 15

Most provinces rely on the RCMP for provincial policing, but three provinces have their own police forces:
Ontario – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
Quebec – Sûreté du Québec (SQ)
Newfoundland & Labrador – Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC)

Question 16

First nations policing policy

Answer 16

Introduced in 1991 to provide Indigenous communities with culturally appropriate policing.
Self-administered police services allow First Nations to operate their own police forces (e.g., Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service).
Community Tripartite Agreements (CTA): RCMP provides dedicated policing to First Nations under contracts.
Challenges: Underfunding, lack of resources, officer retention issues.

Question 17

Transit Police

Answer 17

Responsible for policing railway and transit systems (subways, buses, trains).
Examples:
Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) – Only armed transit police service in Canada.
GO Transit Safety Officers (Ontario) – Provide security for GO trains and buses.
CN & CP Railway Police – Handle crime on railway properties.

Question 18

SARA model

Answer 18

The SARA Model is a problem-solving method used in policing:
Scanning – Identify and define the problem (e.g., increase in car thefts).
Analysis – Gather data to understand causes and patterns.
Response – Develop and implement strategies to address the issue.
Assessment – Evaluate if the response was effective and adjust as needed.

Question 19

Recruitment and Standards of Policing

Answer 19

General Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Canada:
Minimum age: Usually 18 or 19 years old.
Education: High school diploma (some forces prefer post-secondary education).
Physical fitness – Must pass physical tests (e.g., beep test, obstacle course).
Background check – Criminal record and psychological evaluation.
Police Academy Training – RCMP Depot (Regina), Ontario Police College, or municipal training programs.

Question 20

The Fourth Pillar to Crime Reduction

Answer 20

The fourth pillar of crime reduction is crime prevention.
It works alongside police, courts, and corrections to reduce crime before it happens.
Can be both proactive (preventing crime) and reactive (responding after crime occurs).

Question 21

Six main categories of crime prevention strategies

Answer 21

Crime Prevention Through Social Development (CPSD)
Focuses on addressing root causes of crime (e.g., poverty, lack of education).
Involves youth programs, education, mental health support.
Situational Crime Prevention
Reduces opportunities for crime through security measures (e.g., CCTV, better lighting, locked doors).
Based on the idea that making crime harder to commit lowers crime rates.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Uses urban planning and architecture to reduce crime.
Example: Well-lit streets and open spaces make it harder for criminals to act unnoticed.
Community-Based Crime Prevention
Involves citizen participation in crime reduction (e.g., Neighbourhood Watch).
Strengthens social bonds and trust between police and communities.
Police-Based Crime Prevention
Focuses on patrolling, intelligence gathering, and intervention programs.
Examples: School Resource Officers, proactive policing.
Diversion Programs
Redirects offenders away from the criminal justice system into rehabilitation programs.
Example: Youth diversion programs for first-time offenders.

Question 22

Protective Factors

Answer 22

Protective factors are positive conditions or influences that reduce the likelihood of criminal behaviour
Examples
Strong family support
Good education and job opportunities
Positive peer influences
Access to mental health and social services

Question 23

Predictive policing

Answer 23

Uses data analysis and AI to predict where crimes are likely to happen
Helps police allocate resources efficiently and prevent crime before it occurs
Controversies: Can lead to racial profiling and reinforce systemic biases

Question 24

Digitalism

Answer 24

The integration of technology into daily life and crime prevention.
Examples:
Surveillance systems (CCTV, facial recognition).
Cybercrime monitoring (tracking fraud, hacking, and online threats).
Social media analysis to detect criminal activities.

Question 25

Three main risk factors for criminal behaviour

Answer 25

Individual Risk Factors – Mental health issues, substance abuse, aggression. Social Risk Factors – Peer pressure, family instability, lack of education. Environmental Risk Factors – High-crime neighborhoods, lack of job opportunities.

Question 26

Not Encouraged by police

Answer 26

Certain vigilante actions and self-policing are not encouraged by law enforcement. Examples: Taking the law into one’s own hands (e.g., citizen’s arrests without legal authority). Using excessive force in self-defense beyond legal limits. Refusing to report crime (instead of cooperating with police).

Question 27

Gun Violence is increasing

Answer 27

Gun violence in Canada has been rising, particularly in urban areas. Often linked to gang activity, illegal firearms trafficking, and socio-economic factors. Handguns are responsible for most firearm-related homicides.

Question 28

Red Flag Laws

Answer 28

Red flag laws allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. Typically involve: A court order (Emergency Risk Protection Order – ERPO). Requests from family members, police, or medical professionals. Temporary firearm seizures to prevent suicides, domestic violence, or mass shootings.

Question 29

Ban on Assault Weapons - Challenges

Answer 29

In 2020, Canada banned 1,500+ assault-style firearms. Issues with enforcement: Existing weapons still in circulation (grandfathered owners). Smuggling from the U.S. – Many illegal firearms come from cross-border trafficking. Criminals rarely use legal assault weapons in violent crimes – handguns are more common.

Question 30

Information (legal definition)

Answer 30

Information is a written complaint sworn under oath by a citizen or police officer. It formally alleges that the accused committed a specific criminal offense. Used to initiate a legal proceeding in court.

Question 31

Arrest without a warrant (Reasonable Grounds)

Answer 31

A police officer can make an arrest without a warrant if they have reasonable grounds to believe: A person has committed or is about to commit an indictable offense. They find the person committing a criminal offense. A warrant of arrest is already in force for the individual.

Question 32

Section 8 of the canadian charter of rights and freedom

Answer 32

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need a warrant to search a person, home, or belongings unless exigent circumstances apply.

Question 33

Section 9

Answer 33

Protects individuals from arbitrary detention or imprisonment. Police cannot randomly stop, search, or detain people without legal justification.

Question 34

Custodial vs. non-custodial interviews

Answer 34

Custodial Interview: Conducted when the suspect is under arrest or in police custody. The suspect must be informed of their rights (e.g., right to a lawyer). Non-Custodial Interview: The person is not under arrest and can leave at any time. No obligation for police to read rights to counsel, but statements can still be used in court.

Question 35

Exigent Circumstances

Answer 35

Emergency situations where police can act without a warrant to prevent: Imminent harm (e.g., stopping an active shooter). Destruction of evidence (e.g., flushing drugs). Escape of a suspect (e.g., chasing someone into a home).

Question 36

Mr.big technique

Answer 36

Undercover police sting operation where officers pose as criminals to gain a suspect’s trust and confession. Controversial because it can lead to false confessions. Used in high-profile murder cases, but courts have imposed strict guidelines on its use.

Question 37

Electronic surveillance & warrants

Answer 37

Police must obtain a warrant to conduct electronic surveillance (e.g., wiretapping, GPS tracking). Exceptions: Exigent circumstances or national security investigations.

Question 38

Plain view doctrine

Answer 38

Police can seize evidence without a warrant if: The evidence is in plain sight. The officer is lawfully present (e.g., traffic stop, legal search). It is immediately apparent that the item is evidence of a crime.

Question 39

Code Of hammurabi

Answer 39

One of the earliest recorded legal codes (Ancient Babylon, ~1754 BCE). "An eye for an eye" philosophy – focused on retributive justice. Established laws on crime, property, family, and trade. Introduced the presumption of innocence (“the accused must provide evidence of their innocence”).

Question 40

R v. Accused - what does “R” stand for?

Answer 40

In Canadian criminal cases, "R" stands for "Rex" (King) or "Regina" (Queen), depending on the reigning monarch. Example: R v. Smith → "The Crown (government) vs. Smith". The Crown prosecutes crimes on behalf of society.

Question 41

Mens Rea vs. Actus Reus

Answer 41

These are the two essential elements of a crime: Mens Rea (Guilty Mind) The intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. Example: Premeditated murder (planned and intentional). Actus Reus (Guilty Act) The physical act of committing the crime. Example: Pulling the trigger in a shooting. Both must be present for a person to be guilty of most crimes. Exception: Strict liability offences only require actus reus.

Question 42

Regulatory offences

Answer 42

Laws that outline government rules for public welfare and safety. Usually do not require mens rea (intent). Examples: Traffic violations (speeding, running a red light). Environmental laws (illegal dumping). Health and safety regulations (workplace safety violations).

Question 43

Wilful Blindness

Answer 43

Deliberately ignoring the truth to avoid legal responsibility. Example: Buying a stolen laptop at a suspiciously low price and not asking questions

Question 44

Conspiracy

Answer 44

An agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. The crime doesn’t have to be completed – planning alone can be illegal. Example: Two people planning a bank robbery, even if they never go through with it.