It was an interesting year indeed. Many compelling stories of tragedy and suffering emerged – both internationally and domestically that concerned us, while at the same time tales of heroic and gallant efforts by our emergency responders here at home made us feel safe and proud to be Canadian.
Politics loomed large on a number of legislative and public policy fronts as well, undoubtedly changing the way our policing and justice systems will operate in the future.
The list to discuss is endless, but in the interest of brevity, here are what I feel are the top five policing and public safety stories that emerged here in 2015.
Number 5: Marijuana Legalization or Decriminalization
During the last federal election, the Liberal campaign promises included a pledge to legalize marijuana, which was cemented in the December Throne Speech, saying that government would “legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana.” How exactly that will play out remains to be seen, but to “legalize” marijuana possession, would make it no longer an offence at all. There would no arrest, no ticket, no fine and no criminal record. There would also no longer be an incentive to not smoke it any more than there is to not smoke cigarettes now.
Canada’s police leaders have openly supported “decriminalization” of simple possession, but oppose legalization for a variety of so-called “gateway drug” and organized crime profiting perspectives. I completely agree with their position.
This will be an interesting transition to watch, as government gets into the marijuana cultivation and sales business, and criminal groups fight to undercut them in what I predict will be an increasingly competitive market.
Number 4: The Ferguson Effect
The fatal shooting of teen Michael Brown by police in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014 ignited a ground-swell of anti-police protests across the USA, as well as growing allegations of police bias and an indictment of police use of deadly force. The police use of military uniforms, equipment and vehicles came under intense condemnation. The “Black Lives Matter” movement was spawned. Public video and audio recording of police interactions grew exponentially and outcries for police body-worn cameras flourished. Further high-profile deaths in other American cities – including Baltimore, Maryland, resulted in criticism of police investigations, politicians at all levels, prosecutors, the composition of juries and more. A number of police officers and supporters understandably developed an “us vs. them” bunker mentality. Some media personalities took sides in the debates and their commentary appeared very biased as a result. None of this has been good.
This growing situation did not have a huge impact in Canada, given our different legal and independent investigation processes, but certainly did become a media focus here over time. Accordingly, Canada’s police officers have increasingly felt tainted, over scrutinized and under-appreciated, and some would argue have deliberately eased their enforcement efforts in specific situations to avoid some of the perceived pitfalls. I am confident that most of our police officers are above that mindset, but I also appreciate their concern. Stay tuned.
Number 3: Carding
An age-old police practice went completely off the rails this past year. The “intent” of the “street-check” process in Toronto or in any police service was never meant to be random, arbitrary, unconstitutional, and discriminatory or to offend the rights of community members. However the “application” of the practice by some officers in some locales was reportedly inappropriate at times, thereby creating fragile relationships between some community members and their police services. It was designed for police to have a mechanism to record information regarding suspicious people in suspicious situations, with the hope that someday that information would link with other information gathered and help solve crimes. The Toronto Police Services Board put a moratorium on the previous carding practice in TPS, which was the only reasonable response given how divisive the situation there had become.
However, it is the responsibility of police officers to check out suspicious behavior in a non-discriminatory way, and to suitably record such interactions, so let’s hope that the regulations resulting from the province’s consultation into this practice doesn’t completely decimate a valuable police tool.
Number 2: Gun Violence
Toronto saw an increase in gun violence in 2015, although the murder rate there is still on par with recent years and much less than it was in 1991 and in 2007. However, the flagrant use of guns in violent crimes or during gang disputes remains concerning.
At the same time, Canada is blessed with per capita criminal firearm use averages that pale in comparison to the horrendous statistics in the USA. I believe a big part of that speaks to our much stricter gun control, background checks into gun purchasers, safe storage laws and a culture that isn’t obsessed with centuries old 2nd Amendment rights.
TPS Chief Mark Saunders feels the recent rash of gun violence is but a “blip” and perhaps he is right, but the analysis by his staff, as well as close media and TPSB attention to this and the causation factors, will continue in earnest over the months to come. Could it simply be the new norm for policing? Let’s hope not.
Number 1: The Threat of Terrorism
Our opinions of the likelihood of a terrorist attack occurring on Canadian soil changed greatly following the murder of 2 soldiers and the brazen attack on our Parliament buildings in October 2014. ISIS and Al Qaeda inspired and/or “directed” attacks that befell this continent over the course of the past year have clearly altered our perspective and raised our fear levels accordingly.
Two catastrophic planned attacks in Paris – one of which being well-coordinated and sophisticated; a number of so-called “ISIS inspired” public killings in the USA; and several random attacks against uniformed military and police officers around the world, have shown us that the threat of terrorism outside the confines of the Middle East is quite real. However, our resolve remains strong as our security and police agencies continue to work very effectively together to mitigate the risk to us.
I look forward to providing continuing commentary on the good, the bad and the ugly of policing, security and justice issues over the year ahead.
Happy New Year to all.
