Résumé
"By conducting a case study of the Toronto Police Service, this dissertation explores the concept of police occupational culture in reference to agency, structures, and its impact on detectives' discretionary powers. Specifically, the relationship between detectives' decision making and the social construction of "high profile' cases is explored. This study further locates the significant influences within the context of 'community policing' and its impact on detective work. The restructuring of the police organization, brought to fruition as a result of 'community policing' initiatives is examined with specific attention given to detective offices. Many changes have taken place within the Toronto Police Service as police 'managers' and government have attempted to mimic the actions of their American counterparts in restructuring their department in a manner, they claim produces a 'community-oriented' police 'service'. The questions that are raised, however, are how do these new 'community policing' initiatives affect detective work and impact decision making in criminal investigations? Which cases become prioritized and hence are socially constructed as 'high profile'? Has the police culture been affected by the 'new' organizational structure? How do detectives define, interpret and understand their "occupational expectations', and how do their social interactions with one another shape their social realities in case decision makings?"--Abstract.