October 1, 2020

RE-IMAGINING POLICING (Nair)

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REIMAGINING POLICING, PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROSPERITY

By Ashwin Nair

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………3
2. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
3. Demilitarization of Police……………………………………………………………………………………….5
4. Decriminalization………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
5. Overhaul and Replacement of Traditional Police Services……………………………………………11

*The views of the author of this report does not necessarily reflect the views of the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Though systemic racism in Canada manifests itself in several institutions, this report focuses particularly on systemic racism within the institution of policing. The racialized nature of policing in Canada, whether it be by city police forces, provincial police forces or the RCMP, has disproportionately targeted Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples.

This report makes three broad categories of policy options:

1. Demilitarization of police
2. Decriminalization
3. Overhaul & replacement of traditional police services

Each policy option can be summarized as follows:

1. Demilitarization of police
• Canadian police forces can eliminate their procurement of military-grade equipment, including assault rifles and armoured vehicles, as well as guns and tasers in favour of increased public safety, all while redirecting funds toward improving local economic situations

2. Decriminalization
• Ending street checks, or “carding”, would render Canadian streets safer for Black and Indigenous peoples, the disproportionate targets of these checks
• Several criminal acts, by today’s standards, are a result of harsh personal economic situations, and hence decriminalizing them in favour of redirecting police funds toward targeting the roots of poverty may produce better societal outcomes; this includes decriminalizing minor crimes, public transit enforcement, drugs and sex work

3. Overhaul & replacement of traditional police services
• Police duties can be reduced to dealing exclusively with violent crime, such as active shooter situations, kidnappings and murders, while existing funds can be redirected toward developing entirely new and separate mental health services, gender-based violence services and traffic services in order to promote universal safety and increased prosperity

For the full report click on the link below…

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