Accountability and Governance

Abstract

Police in democratic societies are held accountable through independent governance bodies that oversee their behaviour and performance. It is only correct that police officers are held to the highest levels of behaviour and performance to preserve public confidence. Goldstein (1977) points out that, “The police, by the very nature of their function, are an anomaly in a free society. They are invested with a great deal of authority under a system of government in which authority is reluctantly granted and, when granted, sharply curtailed” (p. xi). This chapter discusses the different ways in which police are held accountable in both Canada and the UK. Not only are the police held accountable by the Courts and the public, but also through independent oversight agencies and inquiries. It further explores the pros and cons of public policing in contrast to private policing (e.g. security guards, traffic enforcement, prisoner escorts etc.) and ultimately whether the role of police has been, or needs to be redefined.