Police Powers in Canada: The Evolution and Practice of Authority

Steven R. Hewitt teaches history at the University of Saskatchewan.

Policing is an extremely complex and powerful activity in Canadian
society, with external variables (including the courts and politicians)
further complicating the environment. This interdisciplinary analysis of
the institution includes submissions from historians, criminologists,
lawyers, a political scientist, and even an active police officer.

Historical perspective on municipal police and the Mounted Police are
supplied. Another article examines the impact of the Canadian Charter of
Rights on policing. There is a case study of the recent Oka crisis and
an analysis of the Edmonton police department from the perspective of a
member. Among the best essays are David Smith’s theoretical discussion
of the police and politics, Jean-Paul Brodeur and Louise Viau’s
depiction of the Sыreté du Québec’s handling of the Oka crisis, and
Philip C. Stenning’s discussion of politicians and the police.
Although not all of the essays are of this calibre, this book is a must
for anyone with an interest in Canadian policing.