The Role of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in Supporting the Professionalization of Police in Canada. (28th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montgomery, Ruth
• Is Part Of: Policing. Volume 15:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2019-01-28
• Subjects: Police -- Periodicals; 363.2
• DOI: 10.1093/police/pay105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-4512

Abstract

Abstract: The public deserves and expects professional and accountable policing. The need and desire to maintain and build public trust and respect in policing in dynamic, complex, and constantly evolving political, socio-economic, technological, and demographic contexts has driven increased discussion and examination of professionalization of policing. Effective and efficient policing today requires police leaders who are innovative, have political acumen and agile decision-making capacity, and can engage with a variety of actors at multiple levels to address public safety and security issues. Police leaders are also charged with ensuring that police officers at all levels have the education, knowledge, skills and competencies, and supports needed to solve crimes and problems, enforce laws, and prevent crime. The Commonwealth countries of England, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand have established professional bodies to regulate policing and address these requirements. This review uses identified characteristics of professions as a framework for comparing the work of these associations with contributions the Canadian Association of Chiefs has made in supporting, preparing, and professionalizing policing in Canada. It concludes by comparing the approaches to police professionalization in England, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.