Policing practice in Canada

The policing landscape in Canada is changing. In addition to new public safety challenges such as human trafficking and cyber crimes, many municipalities face complex social challenges including housing insecurity and addiction. At the same time, increases in retirement and mental health leave are impacting the ability of police services to provide adequate capacity. As a result, the public perception of police performance has fallen. In response, many municipalities and police boards are turning to innovative approaches such as tiered policing models. These models use resources more efficiently and respond more effectively to citizen needs. There is also growing awareness that better communication and working together is an essential part of demonstrating accountability, and that collaboration is essential to identifying the true drivers of crime that need the most attention.

KPMG offers a broad range of services that can help municipal councils, police boards and commissions deliver meaningful and measurable results. These services include helping police boards and commissions develop evidence-based evaluations of police staffing requirements and working with police services and communities to incorporate non-police resources and technology in alternative response approaches. KPMG also supports councils and police boards to develop funding models that work for their communities.