This study indicates that introducing new policing methods can be extremely problematic, (at least in the RCMP organization), and that it can lead to dissention in departments and even in executive areas. It also shows a shift in overall thinking and governance to a more liberal outlook, both on crime and in the public, and it seems this shift is likely to continue. This seems to be a result of an overall shift in the public's awareness and needs in policing, and it should continue in the future. This seems to be continued in the public outcry and legislative response introducing legislation to get tougher on crime, as well.
Finally, the final article expresses the views of Canadians on three key issues: sentencing severity, the purposes of sentencing, and mandatory sentences of imprisonment. Canadians over the past 30 years have felt these issues are too lenient, and this continues, even though there have been legislative efforts to create harsher sentencing laws for many different crimes, including gun crimes and perpetual criminals. Mandatory sentencing is popular in many nations, especially when the criminal is a repeat offender, or it has to do with gun offenses.
The legislature recently approved mandatory sentencing for gun offenses, including breaking and entering or robbery with the intent to steal a firearm. However, it seems these sentences, although they address a key issue, are far too light to be of any real use. For example, a first conviction would be a three-year minimum sentence, and the second would be a five-year minimum sentence. These penalties do not seem harsh enough, especially since...
Therefore, the public may be right, these sentencing guidelines seem strict, but in reality, they are not that strict at all. Another aspect of these sentencing laws is prison size and the ability to grow with new convictions. If these gun laws result in more convictions, where will the prisoners be housed?
This also indicates the difference between what happens in the courts and public perception. This study found that a majority of those polled felt the judicial system was too lenient toward convicting prisoners, even if that has not historically been the case. Public perception can be far different from reality, and that illustrates the difficulties with allowing public perception to sway criminal justice reforms and legislation. To back this up, many respondents did not know what crimes currently carry a mandatory sentence, and yet, they find judges too lenient! Public perception can sway legislative reform, and that is not always good.
References
Deukmedjian, J.E. (July 2006). From community to intelligence: Executive realignment of RCMP mission. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice. 523-542.
Office of the Prime Minister, (2006). Tackling crime: Stronger laws. Retrieved from the Government of Canada Web site: http://www.tacklingcrime.gc.ca/stronger_laws_e.asp19 Oct. 2007.
Roberts, J.V., Crutcher, N. And Verbrugge, P. (2007). Public attitudes to sentencing in Canada: Exploring recent findings. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice. 75-107.
