The Law Commission, an independent federal law reform agency, examined the current state of public policing and private security in Canada and made 15 recommendations for law reform.

The report analyzes the changing face of policing in our communities with the ever-increasing use of private security providers and off-duty police officers to maintain order and security on privately-owned space used by the public and public events.

“Contrary to common perception, policing is a network of both public policing and private security with overlapping daily activities, resulting in a blurred distinction between the two” said Yves LeBouthillier. “The Law Commission suggests that our notions of policing need to be redefined to reflect activities no matter who is providing the service”.

The Law Commission recommends that all levels of government should conduct a review of their laws, regulations and policies regarding policing to ensure that they support and foster the best possible policing arrangements in their communities.

The Law Commission also recommends that provincial and territorial governments establish Security Complaints and Accreditation Commissions (SCAC) that would be responsible for licensing private security providers and the establishment of training standards and codes of conduct. The SCACs would also have the authority to investigate complaints, issue fines and revoke or suspend licenses.

The Law Commission concludes that policing should reflect Canadian values and the particular characteristics of Canadian society.

The Law Commission, is an independent federal law reform agency committed to engaging Canadians in the renewal of the law to ensure that it is relevant, responsive, effective, equally accessible to all and just. Copies of the report are available by calling (613) 946-8980 or via the internet www.lcc.gc.ca

Industry comment on the report will be included in a story in the next issue of Canadian Security Magazine.