Law Commission of Canada releases its latest report “In Search Of Security: The Future of Policing

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.