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Major Studies of Drugs and Drug Policy | ||||
Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs | ||||
Volume 2 - Policies and Practices In Canada |
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Chapter 14 - Police PracticesConclusion
Clearly, Parliament and the courts
have recognized that, as criminals become more sophisticated, the police must
be given more sophisticated tools to fight them. In addition, they generally
view the illegal drug trade as a serious challenge. Courts often mention the
sinister nature of the drug trade and the impact it has on society in rendering
their decisions. They may be influenced by these concerns in determining where
to draw the line with respect to police conduct. They recognize the difficult
job police have and are often willing to grant them “considerable latitude.” An
example of this attitude is the following statement by the Supreme Court of
Canada with respect to the selling of drugs: “It is a crime that has devastating individual and social consequences.
It is, as well, often and tragically coupled with the use of firearms. This
crime is a blight on society and every effort must be undertaken to eradicate
it.”[1][65] In another case, the following was
stated: “… this Court must also consider
the societal interest in law enforcement, especially with regard to the illicit
drug trade. This pernicious scourge in our society permits sophisticated
criminals to profit by inflicting suffering on others.”[2][66] However, the police have not been given
“carte blanche” to do what they want to solve a crime. Their activities are
scrutinized so as to ensure that their conduct does not shock the community and
in any way detract from the fairness of an accused’s trial. |