Multi-Site Survey of Victims of Crime and Criminal Justice Professionals across Canada: Summary of Police Respondents

Findings from Police Respondents (continued)

Findings from Police Respondents (continued)

7. Information for Criminal Justice Professionals

As shown in Table 14, more police believed that they are not adequately informed of the Criminal Code provisions intended to benefit victims (46%) than those who believed that they are adequately informed (40%).

TABLE 14: ARE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS ADEQUATELY INFORMED OF PROVISIONS TO BENEFIT VICTIMS?
Police (N=686)
Yes 40%
No 46%
Don't know 13%
No response 1%

In interviews, police described various internal police systems for disseminating information, including not only distribution of printed materials, but also regular internal briefings, internal e mail notification of legislative changes, and training workshops and seminars when there are numerous changes. Nevertheless, several also explained that while information is available, the onus is on each officer to keep up to date on new legislative provisions, and some officers are more diligent in this respect than others. A few interviewees pointed out that this has created a situation where knowledge of Criminal Code provisions regarding victims varies quite widely among individual officers. Among police officers surveyed who believe they are inadequately informed of Criminal Code provisions to benefit victims, more than 60% recommended increased training, while about one-fifth suggested improved distribution of information.

8. Impact of Criminal Code Provisions

Police were asked what, in their opinion, has been accomplished by the Criminal Code provisions intended to benefit victims. Respondents identified numerous outcomes that they believe have resulted from the Criminal Code provisions. However, a large proportion of respondents did not answer the question. Many noted on the questionnaire that they did not know enough about the Criminal Code provisions to comment. As a result, about half of police did not answer this question.

A number of respondents (9%) who were asked about the impact of the provisions said that the provisions have given victims a voice in the system. It was also mentioned that they have provided a more balanced criminal justice system. About 7% of police cited this as an accomplishment of the Criminal Code provisions.

The results discussed above are shown in Table 15.

TABLE 15: WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CRIMINAL CODE PROVISIONS INTENDED TO BENEFIT VICTIMS?
Police (N=686)
Gives victims a voice or opportunity for input 9%
More balanced criminal justice system 7%
Victims more satisfied or informed 3%
Victim testimony or experience easier 1%
Better protection of victims 5%
Victim impact statement positive 2%
Don't know or No response 47%

On the negative side, however, some respondents (27%) said they believe that the Criminal Code provisions have accomplished little or nothing, as shown in Table 16.

TABLE 16: HAVE THERE BEEN ANY UNINTENDED OR UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES TO THE CRIMINAL CODE PROVISIONS TO BENEFIT VICTIMS?
Police (N=686)
Victim impact statement negative <1%
Nothing or little has been accomplished 27%
Don't know or No response 47%

In summary, most reflections on the provisions revealed positive accomplishments. More police believe that the Criminal Code provisions has created a more balanced criminal justice system through increased awareness of the concerns and interests of victims, and they provided more formal mechanisms to ensure that the victims have opportunities to participate and have a voice in the system.