Urban Policing in Canada: Anatomy of an Aging Craft

Anna Leslie is an associate professor of sociology at Sir Wilfred
Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

This timely examination of urban policing provides a clear discussion of
the many factors that influence police organizations, including
traditional management practices, government policy, and increasing
urbanization. The author makes a strong case for a commitment to
community policing, which is premised on a “diversification ... of
programs and services on the basis of community needs and demands.”

In keeping with his argument that police are part of a highly
specialized, technological, and education-oriented society, Martin
advocates a “craft-apprenticeship model of policing” reshaped by the
“agency model of professional practice,” and he offers insight into
how this might be achieved. Although its discussion of public
education—a crucial aspect of community policing— could have been
more fully developed, this is a book of substance that will benefit
students and practitioners alike.