Race, Discrimination and Trust in Police: Insights from Black People in Canada

• In Event: Theorizing Race and the Criminal Legal System

Abstract

Existing studies on race and policing in Canada have shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experience discrimination and excessive police use of force. This paper examines the relationship between experience of discrimination and level of trust in police by narrowing its focus to the Black population in Canada. Drawing from the "Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians: Experiences of Discrimination, 2020" dataset, this study offers a targeted analysis within this demographic. Qualitative interviews with 25 Black Canadians provide a deeper understanding of the quantitative data. The study anticipates uncovering police disparities and identifying the critical role of policing policies in shaping trust and confidence. The findings contribute to the discourse on police-community relations, emphasizing the necessity for measures that resonate with the Black community's unique experiences. While highlighting the challenges faced by Black Canadians and paving the way for actionable strategies to enhance trust in the police, this study advocates for reforms that prioritize equity and justice, fostering a more trustworthy and inclusive policing environment.

Author

• Ismail Ayatullah Nasirudeen, University of Alberta