Summary
"This thesis presents the results of a partial replication of a 1997 study of police perceptions of the youth justice system. In-depth interviews were conducted with 49 police officers from 27 Ontario police services. The study sought to identify changes in police perceptions that have resulted from the replacement of the Young Offenders Act by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) in 2003. Study findings indicate that officers in the 2007 study felt they had greater discretion than their 1997 counterparts. They also reported having greater responsibility and accountability under the YCJA. Officers in both studies were satisfied with the youth justice system’s response to minor offences. Respondents in the 2007 study, however, were more satisfied with current responses to repeat and serious offenders than those in the 1997 study. Various issues identified by respondents regarding the challenges they have encountered in implementing the YCJA are also discussed."--Abstract.