Economics of Policing

The economics of policing is about the evolution and sustainability of policing. It is about keeping people safe in an environment where, regardless of the challenges, we are open to innovation and reform.

At a time of fiscal challenges for many jurisdictions, governments and police services share a common goal of keeping people and communities safe, while ensuring policing services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible. Public Safety Canada is committed to working with municipalities, provinces, territories and other stakeholders to help address the challenges facing our police services.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers on the Economics of Policing

In January 2012, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for justice and public safety had an initial discussion on the “economics of policing” and agreed to hold a summit on the subject. At their meeting in Regina on October 31, 2012, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers also agreed that a key outcome for the Summit will be to lay the foundation for the development of a shared forward agenda for policing in Canada.

Additionally, ministers agreed to share information across jurisdictions on new and innovative approaches to policing and community safety. A working group is collecting information from all governments and police services on initiatives that aim to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of policing in Canada.

On January 16 and 17, 2013, the Summit on the Economics of Policing was hosted by the Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Vic Toews in Ottawa, Canada.

Background Information on the Economics of Policing

• Speech by the Minister of Public Safety Canada at the Summit on the Economics of Policing on January 16, 2013
• News release, Policing officials meet to discuss the future of policing in Canada, issued following the Summit on the Economics of Policing on January 16 and 17, 2013
• Speech by the Minister of Public Safety Canada at the annual general meeting and conference of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police on August 22, 2012, outlining FPT Ministers’ commitment on the Economics of Policing
• Transcript of the January 29, 2013 appearance of the Director General, Policing Policy Directorate, Public Safety Canada, at the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, outlining the outcomes of the Summit on the Economics of Policing and planned next steps
• Transcript of the June 7, 2012 appearance of the Director General, Policing Policy Directorate, Public Safety Canada, at the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, outlining the issue of the Economics of Policing
• Web page for the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security for its study of the Economics of Policing (includes committee meeting transcripts)