Justice and Injustice: Homelessness, Crime, Victimization, and the Criminal Justice System

Justice and Injustice: Homelessness, Crime, Victimization, and the Criminal Justice System

Overview

  • Authors: Sylvia Novac, Joe Hermer, Emily Paradis, Amber Kellen
  • Research Paper 207 from the Centre for Urban and Community Studies, University of Toronto, November 2006
  • Purpose: Multi-method study examining the relationship between homelessness and the criminal justice system in Toronto.

Research Methodology

  • Based on:
    • Literature Review
    • Administrative Data Analysis
    • Review of client files
    • Survey with 57 homeless individuals
    • In-depth interviews with 22 homeless individuals
    • Focus groups with homeless individuals and service providers
    • Interviews with 23 key informants
  • Administrative data from: Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, City of Toronto, Toronto Police Service

Executive Summary

  • Major findings:
    • Increasing numbers of homeless persons arrested cycling between jail and shelter.
    • Clients of the John Howard Society (JHS) who were homeless at intake had fewer violent charges but more property-related charges compared to housed clients.
    • Homeless individuals critical of policing practices, particularly concerning racialized persons.
    • High levels of victimization but reluctance to report crimes to police.
    • Barriers to community reintegration of ex-prisoners due to poor service coordination and discharge planning.
  • Recommendations for changes:
    • Improved transitional and supportive housing, discharge planning, and programs for vulnerable groups.
  • Part Two: Catalogue of over 70 programs to reduce homelessness among ex-prisoners and the incarceration of homeless individuals.

Acknowledgements

  • Funded by the National Research Program of the National Homelessness Initiative.
  • Directed by: Joe Hermer and David Hulchanski.
  • Included contributions from various community agencies and individuals.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: STUDY REPORT
  1. Introduction
    • Urgency of addressing homelessness within the criminal justice system.
    • Context of Toronto as a homelessness capital.
1.1 Review of Literature
  • Limited research connecting homelessness and criminal justice in Canada.
  • Findings primarily focus on criminal activity levels, victimization, and mental illness among homeless populations.
  • Existing studies indicate high levels of incarceration among homeless populations, particularly the mentally ill.
1.1.1 Links between Homelessness and Incarceration
  • Involvement with justice system high among homeless adults (73% of male, 27% of female shelter users had arrests).
  • Longitudinal Studies:
    • Short jail stays common (5% over 6 months).
    • Significant numbers report jail time correlating with prior family poverty and sexual abuse.
    • Studies show increasing cycles of homelessness and incarceration.
1.1.2 Criminalization of Homelessness and Regulation of Public Space
  • Emergence of laws targeting poverty behaviors (begging, loitering) since mid-1990s.
  • Legal responses to visible homelessness adopted by various political agendas.
1.1.3 Criminal Behaviour and Offences by Homeless People
  • Studies indicate homeless commit more property crimes, less violent crimes.
  • Influenced by survival needs and associated economic desperation.
1.1.4 Victimization of Homeless People
  • High levels of physical and sexual assault reported among the homeless population, particularly vulnerable groups.
  • Barriers to reporting crimes due to mistrust of law enforcement.
1.1.5 Relations with Police and Courts
  • Poor interactions between police forces and homeless individuals, leading to an atmosphere of distrust.
1.1.6 Service Needs and Program Suggestions
  • Homeless individuals face barriers when seeking services due to missing documents, stigma, and service coordination issues.
1.2 Study Methodology
  • Detailed exploration of methodology including participant demographics, interview processes, and data sources utilized for analysis.
1.2.1 Extent of the Problem
  • Statistical findings related to homeless individuals' admissions to correctional facilities and shelters.
2 Policing, Treatment by Courts, and Victimization
  • Data regarding contact between homeless individuals and the police, as well as experiences reported by survey respondents regarding treatment within the criminal justice system.
Conclusions and Recommendations
  • Acknowledgement that there is a growing problem regarding homelessness and incarceration. Recommendations include developing specialized housing programs and improved discharge planning strategies.
PART TWO: SCAN OF INTERVENTIONS AND PROMISING PRACTICES
  • Overview of interventions within Toronto and beyond. Programs that support ex-prisoners and arrangements for follow-up support and housing.
Index Sections
  • Alphabetical index of programs
  • Subject index of key topics
  • Appendices of additional information, including contact details for participating agencies and key informants.

References

  • Comprehensive list of studies, literature, and resources cited throughout the report, highlighting broader historical and sociological studies relevant to the topic.