| In fall 2003, the Law Commission of Canada will release In Search of Security, a report to the federal Parliament of Canada that explores the emerging relationship between public police and private security agencies. The Report examines the provision of security services in Canada. While the state remains a significant player in the delivery and regulation of policing, it is no longer the only institution involved in offering guarantees of security to citizens. There is now a range of private policing organizations that include, for example, private security firms, insurance companies, forensic accounts and private in-house corporate security. Given the evolving nature of private and public policing, does the public/private distinction make sense any longer? To what extend does the current law refelect the reality of policing in Canada? The presentation will provide a critical commentary on the Commission's report to Parliament and will examine the extent to which the Commission's diagnosis of the problem and recommendations for law reform are likely to improve the delivery of policing services. |
Updated 05/20/2006