LECTURE 3 + 4 NOTES

Police Organization

The structure and management of police forces, involving budgeting and coordination with governmental and non-governmental agencies.

Monopoly of Legitimate Force

The concept that the state has the exclusive right to use force, which the police enforce through law.

Accountability in Policing

The obligation of police to explain their actions and decisions to the public and maintain trust.

Public Trust

The confidence citizens have in the police to act justly and effectively in their duties.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

A Canadian law guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, influencing police conduct.

Autonomy of Police

Independence of the police from direct control by government authorities, within certain legal limits.

Costs of Policing

The financial expenditures associated with police services, often the largest budget item for municipalities.

Citizens Arrest

The right of a civilian to arrest a person without a warrant when witnessing a crime being committed.

Peace Officer

An individual authorized to maintain peace and security, including police officers, customs officers, and justices of the peace.

G20 Protests

Demonstrations that highlighted tensions between police independence and government oversight during the G20 summit in Toronto.

Transparency in Policing

The principle that police actions should be open to scrutiny to foster public trust.

Serious Incident Response Teams (SIRT)

Provincial teams that investigate serious injuries and deaths involving police officers.

Internal Oversight

Mechanisms used within a police force to monitor and evaluate police activities and ensure accountability.

External Oversight

Monitoring of police activities by outside agencies or organizations to ensure accountability and trust.

Bastarache Report

A report highlighting systemic issues within the RCMP, including racism and sexism.

Mr. Big Technique

An undercover policing tactic which solicits confessions through manipulation, often criticized for leading to false confessions.

Judicial Oversight

The supervision of law enforcement practices by the courts to ensure they comply with legal standards.

Exclusion of Evidence Clause

A provision in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms limiting the use of evidence obtained in violation of rights.

Police Service Boards

Oversight bodies responsible for the governance and accountability of municipal police services.

Criminal Code of Canada

The federal law that outlines criminal offenses and procedures in Canada, governing police actions.

Democratic Policing

A model of policing that includes accountability to elected officials while maintaining independence in law enforcement.

Police Accountability Mechanisms

Tools and processes implemented to hold police officers responsible for their actions.

Public Complaints Mechanism

Systems in place for citizens to report misconduct and seek redress for police behavior.

Inspectorate of Policing

An oversight body in Ontario created to ensure compliance with policing standards and practices.

Legitimacy in Law Enforcement

The public's perception that the police have the right to govern, which is crucial for effective policing.

Systemic Racism in Policing

Institutional practices and policies that result in discriminatory treatment of racial minorities by the police.

Lester Donaldson Case

A significant incident that led to calls for police accountability after a mentally ill individual was killed by police.

Prosecutorial Oversight

The review by prosecutors of police actions, ensuring legal compliance and ethical conduct.

Constitutional Limits on Policing

Legal boundaries established to protect citizens' rights against excessive government power.

Citizens' Rights

Legal protections afforded to individuals, including against unreasonable search and seizure.

Public Confidence

The assurance that the police are acting in the public's interest and upholding the law properly.

Community Policing

A strategy that fosters collaboration between police and communities to improve public safety.

Indigenous Rights

Legal entitlements pertaining to Indigenous peoples, influencing interactions with law enforcement.

Oversight Agencies

Organizations that monitor police activities and ensure accountability to the public.

Investigative Independence

The ability of oversight bodies to carry out investigations without interference from police or government.

Racialized Communities

Groups that experience systemic disadvantage based on race, often facing greater scrutiny from police.

Professionality in Policing

The standard of conduct, knowledge, and skills expected of police officers.

Police Misconduct

Inappropriate actions taken by police officers that violate legal standards or ethical norms.

Community Safety and Policing Act

Legislation outlining the framework for policing services and accountability in Ontario.

Blue Wall of Silence

The informal code among police officers not to report misconduct by fellow officers.

Police Culture

The values and behaviors that characterize the police force, which can impact accountability.

Tensions in Police-Government Relations

Conflicts arising between the autonomy of police forces and the authority of government institutions.

Reform in Policing

Changes aimed at improving accountability, oversight, and community relations within police organizations.

Public Order Maintenance

The role of police in ensuring safety and order during public gatherings and events.

Transparency and Accountability

The principles that govern the open reporting of police practices and holding officers responsible for their actions.

Special Investigations Unit (SIU)

A civilian agency tasked with investigating incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death.

The Lewis Report

A document that initiated the creation of the Special Investigations Unit in Ontario.

Policing as a Public Service

The concept that police work is done for the community's benefit and requires public trust and accountability.

Oversight Bodies

Agencies dedicated to monitoring police activities to promote trust and governance.

Failure of Policing Institutions

Instances in which police forces do not appropriately address misconduct or are unable to protect community interests.

Use of Force Policies

Guidelines established to regulate the circumstances and methods by which police may use physical force.

Community Engagement

The process of involving community members in discussions and decisions regarding policing.

Public Safety

The welfare and protection of the general public, a primary goal of police work.