The Wicked Problems of Police Reform in Canada

This book examines police reform in Canada, arguing that significant and sustainable reform can only occur after addressing the question of what we want police to do. It draws on a unique collection of data to explore wicked problems such as mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, and missing persons, which require innovative policy solutions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of police reform in Canada, contending that any significant and lasting transformation can only materialize after taking decisive actions to address the fundamental question: What precisely do we want police to do? The task of defining the boundaries of police responsibilities is further complicated by the complex social issues that they are called upon to resolve, often referred to as "wicked problems." These issues are characterized by their intractable nature, stemming from social or cultural factors that pose significant challenges to resolution.

To explore these complex issues, authors Huey, Ferguson, and Schulenberg, esteemed policing scholars, have compiled a unique collection of data spanning over 20 years of research (2000–2021). This extensive body of work includes in-depth interviews, surveys, field observations, document analysis, and systematic social observation. By pooling this diverse range of data, the authors paint a comprehensive picture of the changes that have occurred in the policing operational environment over the past two decades.

The book specifically focuses on four critical wicked problems: mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, and missing persons. While these issues may have causes and potential preventative treatments that lie primarily outside the realm of criminal justice, they are nonetheless often treated as policing problems. Recognizing the need for innovative policy solutions, this book aims to shed light on the ways in which public policy can be transformed to address these complex challenges.

The significance of this book extends beyond Canada's borders, making it relevant to a wide range of audiences within and outside the country. Law enforcement and community leaders, scholars and policy experts specializing in policing, students of criminal justice, organizations, and management, as well as citizen-consumers of information about policing, will all find valuable insights and perspectives within its pages. By examining the challenges and opportunities facing public policing, this book serves as a valuable resource for fostering dialogue, promoting reform, and building a more equitable and effective criminal justice system.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 177 x 251 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032281858