National Joint Committee of Senior Criminal Justice Officials Annual Report 2009-2010

National Joint Committee of Senior Criminal Justice Officials Annual Report 2009-2010 PDF Version (211 KB)

Message from the Chair

I am pleased to present the annual report of the National Joint Committee of Senior Criminal Justice Officials (NJC) for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. This report describes the major activities and achievements of the NJC and its regional committees (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and Pacific).

The NJC tends to hold two national meetings per year, while the chairs of the regional committees hold approximately 30 meetings throughout the country’s five regions. A wide variety of issues are discussed, such as: organized crime, gang management strategies, intimidation of justice officials, aboriginal issues, high risk offenders, child exploitation, victims’ rights and the sex offender registry. Time and time again, NJC regional committees invite representatives of their respective communities to take part in these discussions.

We hold the national meeting in the spring in one of the five regions, while the fall meeting is usually held in Ottawa, so that more representatives from Public Safety Canada are able to attend.

One National NJC Meeting took place during Fiscal Year 2009-2010 in Toronto. The meeting and was focused on “Victims of Crime Issues and Support.” A number of themes were explored: With victim services, are we where we want to be? How do front line officers deal with victims, what kind of training is provided to the officers? What kind of information and services are available to victims? How do victims access the information/services? These questions were examined and analyzed through discussion. The meeting included presentations from victims of crime, Ontario Victim Service Providers, and the Government of Ontario.

Further, as an example of the many the many regional achievements of the NJC across the country, the Ontario-NJC succeeded in developing an information sharing protocol between police services and correctional authorities in Ontario. The protocol will govern the release of victim information so that correctional authorities can make informed decisions about community release and security transfers.

The success of the NJC has always been attributable to the dedication and participation of our members. During my tenure as Chair of the NJC, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with members of both the national and regional committees, who have given me every reason to be confident that the NJC has made a valuable contribution to the criminal justice system. As I look forward to the upcoming year, and the work yet to be accomplished by the NJC, I am certain that it can continue to be a driving force in the criminal justice system for years to come.

The current Government has reiterated that the safety of its citizens is a fundamental objective. NJC will help to fulfill this mandate by facilitating dialogue among criminal justice professionals regarding law enforcement and legislation, and by focusing on crime prevention. I am confident that our upcoming meetings will explore a variety of issues related to public safety and communities and will build on the success of past years.

This will be my last annual report as NJC National Chairman. I have been privileged to lead, for the last 12 years, a great group of very dedicated Senior criminal justice officials. We maintained an efficient and effective mechanism of information sharing and communication among criminal justice partners in order to ensure efficiency in maintaining our community safety. The evolution of our society requires a more integrated approach among all the criminal justice partners. Working together toward a safer community has always been at the forefront of the NJC Agenda and I am proud to have been involved with NJC as a member, a regional Chairman, and a national Chairman for over 21 years. I would like to thank all NJC Regions and National members for their significant and outstanding contribution, support and commitment during my 12 years as Chairman.

In the years to come, the role of NJC of Senior Criminal Justice Officials will be crucial in dealing with issues such as: victim services, offenders being released in the community with mental health disorders, criminal organizations, street gangs, sexual exploitation of children, and white collar crime to name a few. Innovative balanced approaches will be needed to face these challenges and NJC will be the lead consultative body and will serve as a tool for efficient implementation.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Ministry of Public Safety Canada for their continuous financial support since 1973.

Mr. Pierre Sangollo
Immediate Past Chair
National Joint Committee of
Senior Criminal Justice Officials

Background information

The National Joint Committee of Senior Criminal Justice Officials was established in 1973 under the joint auspices of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and the National Parole Board (NPB).

The original purpose of the Committee was to improve communication, understanding and cooperation among police and corrections officials. Its founding members were senior police officers representing the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, RCMP, and officials from NPB. Later, the Committee expanded to include the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), the Canadian Association of Crown Counsel (CACC) and representation from the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association.

NJC establishes and maintains efficient and effective mechanisms of communication and consultation between the RCMP, CSC, NPB, CACC, the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association and other agencies which are part of the criminal justice system.

The NJC works in partnership with governments and all agencies and services in the provision of advice on any matter referred to the Committee by these governments, agencies and services.

Highlights from the national meeting

Research - Systemic Intimidation of Justice Officials

In October 2008 The NJC contributed $29,000 towards member participation at The University of Montreal’s International Centre of Comparative Criminology’s National Symposium on battling intimidation. In 2009, excess funds generated from the symposium were contributed to the University of Montreal for a research study on the systemic intimidation of justice officials. The results of the research will be available in approximately 1½ years and will be presented at a future NJC meeting.

Victims of Crime Issues and Support
Toronto, May 13-14, 2010

One National NJC Meeting took place during Fiscal Year 2009-2010 in Toronto. The meeting was focused on “Victims of Crime Issues and Support.” A number of themes were explored: With victim services, are we where we want to be? How do front line officers deal with victims, what kind of training is provided to them? What kind of information and services are available to victims? How do victims access the information/services? The meeting included presentations from victims of crime, Ontario Victim Service Providers, and the Government of Ontario.

General Themes of the Meeting:

1. There is a lack of integrated services and a gap in on-going support.

While victim organizations/agencies and services are abundant, there is a lack of communication and community support is not always delivered in an integrated manner. Victims often require access to a coordinated network, not a patchwork of “silos” of victim services. There is a need for a “case manager” to provide step-by step guidance on how to navigate the system. Another concern is that there is typically a one-time offer of support, but no continued engagement. For example, there are victim services that provide assistance at or immediately after the crime but the support drops off unless the case goes to trial.

2. There is inconsistent access to services.

There is a need for better, more systematic communication between police and victim services. There is a lack of consistency in how victims approach, or are approached by victim services. For example, there are privacy concerns that indicate that information collected by the RCMP can only be used for the purposes of investigating crime.

Conversely, not all victims want services and there is a need for an assessment process by which the victims who do require services are identified. At present, victim services are provided according to the seriousness of the crime rather than the impact on the victim (e.g. there is more of a focus on victims of violent crime rather than victims of property crime).

3. There is inconsistent access to information.

Accurate, up-to-date information is sometimes not readily available, and there are concerns that the onus is on the victim/family members to register to receive notification. Victims and victim services need access to more information so as to develop better strategies/plans for safety, judicial reviews etc. Former Bill-C-43 (amendments to CCRA) is intended to close some of that gap, in terms of granting victims access to information about the offender.

4. There is little/no financial support/compensation for victim services programs and for victims of crime.

There needs to be an exploration of ways to help community-based programs become financially stable. The Victim Services Program of Toronto (VSPT), for example, relies heavily on police services to advocate for increased funding.

Additional Comments

Regional NJC highlights

Atlantic region

Chair: Chief Stephen N. McIntyre

For quite some time there has not been a collective Atlantic Region Meeting. Currently, opportunities are being explored with respect to the potential for holding a Fall Meeting for the Atlantic Region at The Atlantic Police Academy at Slemon Park, P.E.I. We are planning to hold discussions in the near future, identifying an appropriate theme for the meeting and soliciting participation from various Atlantic Region stakeholders. More information to follow when plans are firmed up and a date has been identified.

Quebec region

Chair: Didier Deramond

The committee met on five occasions in the Montreal area in 2009-2010.

At the first meeting on April 17, 2009, the members reviewed the meeting held with the ADPQ (Association des Directeurs de Police du Québec) and criminal justice managers held on March 31, 2009, at the Hilton Hotel in Laval. One of the main items on the agenda was organized crime and street gangs. How can membership in street gangs be appropriately countered? What are the effective intervention tools? What partners are essential to success? Research and study, consistency and community group conferencing. Local, regional and provincial issues.

Michel Frappier told members that a sub-committee on informers is to continue.

Johanne Beausoleil announced her upcoming departure from the committee, following her appointment and assignment in Quebec City. Élaine Raza will be her permanent replacement on the committee.

During the meeting on June 5, 2009, Didier Deramond summarized the mid-year NJC meeting held in Victoria on May 6, 2009.

Sylvie Boileau informed the members that a joint team (Crown prosecutors and police) had been created to discuss the issue of terrorism.

Following her appointment as the Quebec Region’s Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Corporate Services, CSC, Lise Bouthillier left the Regional Joint Committee of Criminal Justice Officials (RJCCJ). She was replaced by Gratien Tremblay.

Joyce Malone also announced that she was retiring and leaving the committee.

During the meeting on September 25, 2009, Didier Deramond informed members of the progress the organizing committee was making in organizing the theme day on section 810 and sex offences, scheduled for November 27, 2009.

Pierre Sangollo spoke about a guide on informers covering the operational aspect and impact. This is an internal document that explains how the Correctional Service of Canada operates and identifies the types of informers. The last part of the guide provides information on informers who return after other criminal charges and convictions.

During the meeting of November 26, 2009, the Chair, Didier Deramond, provided members with the latest details on the theme day planned for November 27, 2009, at Hôtel Québec Inn in Quebec City.

For the meeting on April 16, 2010, Mr. Deramond informed the RJCCJ–Quebec Region that a meeting was held in Toronto on March 25 and 26, 2010, by the regional chairs. He provided information on the budget allocated at each of the meetings and mentioned the upcoming elections and his intention to run for the chairmanship. He also mentioned the items that would be covered at the semi-annual meeting in Toronto (victim support) organized by the Ontario Joint Regional Committee.

During our meeting, we began the first presentation on the terrorist component, more specifically the police terror management system, Système de gestion policière en matière de terrorisme (SGPT), and the Montreal anti-terrorism advisory committee, Comité aviseur antiterroriste de Montréal (CAAM).

In a second component scheduled for the fall, we plan to link everything with the initials of our federal and provincial prosecutors, Quebec and Canadian Correctional Service officials and the Comité national des libérations conditionnelles. Mr. Deramond also mentioned that our committee will be reading up on different external and internal organizational environments so that we can determine our 2010–2011 priorities together.

Ontario region

Chair: Mike Federico

The Region has maintained and nurtured the partnerships that have been built up over the years. At the end of 2009, the Region included members who represented

• Correctional Services Canada
• Ontario Correctional Services
• National Parole Board
• Police Services
• Ontario Board of Parole and Earned Remission
• Ontario Association of Crown Attorneys
• Ontario Office for Victims of Crime
• Ontario Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
• Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services

In 2009, the Ontario Region focussed on information exchange between police and correctional authorities, victim support and the criminal justice system, and Zone 3 addressed threats against law enforcement.

Information Exchange

For some time the NJC-Ontario Region has supported the need for an agreement between police and correctional agencies in Ontario to cover the release of information, particularly about victims. Without the information correctional and parole authorities are hampered in arriving at an informed decision regarding the release or reassignment of an offender, to the potential detriment of public safety. The matter was referred to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police where, at its annual general meeting of June 22, 2005, it adopted Resolution 2005–02, Disclosure of Police Records to Corrections and Parole Authorities.

That the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police supports the immediate development of amendments to the Regulation to enable timely disclosure of police reports in sufficient detail to permit corrections and parole authorities to properly perform their duties as aforementioned.

To move the matter forward, the NJC met with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (Ministry) where it was agreed that while changes to the regulations of the Police Services Act were pursued an All Chiefs’ Memo would be issued to encourage compliance among police services Ontario wide.

A draft All Chiefs’ Memo has been produced that explains a Chief’s authorities when considering the release of information of the type contemplated, and the Ministry believes the package will help provide Chiefs of Police with the reassurances they seek. To ensure the memo fully conforms to the spirit as well as the letter of privacy legislation, the Ministry has incorporated the input of the Privacy Commissioner.

The development of this memo was not easy, and took some considerable time and lobbying; however, with its publication, the NJC believe this initiative will help further improve relationships between correctional authorities and police services and, therefore, offender-management in our communities.

Victim Support

The committee also supported the development of an information handbook for victims crime in Ontario. Developed by the Officer for Victims of Crime, the handbook includes an overview of the Ontario Victim’s Bill of Rights, and provides information on where and how victims can access services or information. It explains the criminal justice process and what happens after the crime including arrest, charge, bail, trial, judgement, sentencing, and probation and parole. It helps the victim understand the witness experience, court protocols, and how they can have input on what happens to the offender. The handbook is written from the victim’s perspective and it is designed to be simple and practical to use. To reach the intended audience plans are to distribute it in a variety of settings and through a variety of means including web access.

Zone 3 Conference

Zone 3 hosted a one day workshop Nov 24 focussing on managing intimidation and threats against law enforcement. Discussion covered threats to correctional staff featuring John Ilika Intelligence Support Officer, Ontario Corrections Intelligence Unit; Matt Crone - Manager, Justice Sector Security Office discussed threats against prosecutors and judges; Crown Attorney Steve Sheriff - General Counsel, and the author of "Convicting the Guilty" explored challenges of large complex prosecutions; site security was explored by Detective Philip Devine – Toronto PS Intelligence Division, Security Section; and threats against the criminal justice system by organized crime was examined by Antonio Nicaso - bestselling author and an international expert on organized crime. Over 280 delegates attended.

Prairie region

Vice Chair: Wayne Michaluk

The Prairie Region of the NJC has continued to focus on maintaining a consistent presence within all criminal justice agencies in Western Canada. A Regional meeting occurred in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on October 6, 2009 to gather criminal justice representatives from across the Prairie Provinces to work at generating ideas and initiatives to rejuvenate the NJC presence in the Prairies. Members from the RCMP, CSC, Municipal Policing, Public Prosecutions and Provincial Corrections attended the one day meeting to learn about how NJC can contribute to enhancing existing working relationships throughout the entire Criminal Justice community. NJC does have a functional reason for existence and the meeting reinforced the potential for this group to improve both communication and partnerships at both local and regional levels.

Some of the topics of common interest and areas the Regional group identified for local NJC committees to focus their attention on were; Conditional Sentence orders, Mistaken release of offenders, Release of High Risk offenders, Public disclosure for high risk youth, Courtroom security, video court, Staffing and retention, High risk prisoners, UAL charges for Federal Offenders, 2 for 1 Sentencing, Intelligence sharing, Working with Crowns, Staff safety, Rural policing challenges, FASD, Gangs, McNeil decision, Disclosure issues, Missing and murdered aboriginal women, Vulnerable youth, Serious violent offenders, Child exploitation, Sex offender registry, Mental health act and drug stabilization act, Crime reduction strategies that work, Social issues contributing to crime, Cross ministry efforts, Missing persons, National justice reform, Two-tiered policing, Information sharing, and WED packages.

Strategies were discussed at the Regional meeting as to what could be done to provide local committees in the Prairie Region with ideas to build momentum in building stronger NJC representation and commitment in the respective areas. Key thoughts focused on establishing broader awareness, identifying key partnerships, targeting a chairperson who is committed to NJC, provide dynamic speakers for the meetings, reduce duplication of NJC efforts, financial support for meetings, developing short and long term strategies, a need to understand completely the role of NJC, and correct time/location for meetings in respective areas.

Local committees remain strong in Winnipeg, Brandon/Westman area, the Pas, Prince Albert and Regina. Local workshops/symposiums are being discussed and planned for Winnipeg and Prince Albert focusing on Ethics in the Criminal Justice System and Intelligence Gathering and Sharing, respectively. Corrections and Conditional Release Handbooks were revised and printed for 2010 with distribution of these booklets throughout the entire Prairies Region.

Efforts to maintain a strong NJC voice in the Prairies remains consistent. With the dedication and commitment of local justice officials in the Prairies, NJC remains a critical voice for Criminal Justice issues and topics at the local, regional and national level.

Pacific region

Chair: Doug LePard 

April 17th, 2009, Regional Executive Meeting
Vancouver Police Department- 2120 Cambie Street

• Subject: National conference May 2009; Zone Activities/coordination of communication with zones; RCMP participation letter; Review membership and website info; Budgets/planning for the next year; Succession planning.
• Attendees: Al MacIntyre, RCMP; Mike Cumberworth, VPD; Dave Keating, CSC; Doug LePard, VPD and Chair; Greg Fitch, Crown Counsel; Peter German, RCMP; Steve Howell; Provincial Corrections; Teal Maedel, CSC.
• Lunch provided by VPD

May 6-8, 2009, Semi-Annual National Meeting
Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria, BC

• May 6, Executive Meeting:  Iriving Kulik presented “Corrections & Conditional Release Primer”; Financial report; Co-sponsors for hospitality at meetings; 2010 conference proposal.
• May 7, Subject: Gang Management Strategies. Presentations on current gang situation in BC; CSC’s gang management strategy; BC Sheriff’s gang management strategy(Sgt. Duane Kempton); Threat assessment and Crown security (Carl Prophet); Threat assessment police perspective(Keith Dormond); Project Rebellion (Mike Porteous)
• May 8 Subject: Corrections and Conditional Release in Canada (Irving Kulik); Regional Reports; Financial Reports; emerging issues

June 10, 2009, Executive Meeting RCMP E-DIV HQ

• Executive Meeting: Subject; Debrief on 2009 Nat’l Meeting; Budget and Distribution; Plans for Remainder of year at Exec/Zone Level; NJC Co-sponsored conference on Internet Child Exploitation.

June 10, 2009, RCMP E-Division Officer's Mess Contact Event – honouring the contributions of Retired RCMP Staff Sgt. Matt Logan

• Approximately 100 people:  Vancouver Parole, Crown, RCMP, CSC, CN Police, Justice Institute, National Parole Board, VPD, New West Police, SCBCTA, Forensic Alliance, ISPOT, US Consulate, FBI, Corrections Canada.
• Costs for event: $1823.  Catering services provided by RCMP.  NJC provided $750 (Catering), BCACP $500 (Catering), VPD $573+$261 (gifts).

October 20, 2009, Vancouver Island Community Corrections Police/Parole/Crown Workshop on Domestic Violence
Oceanfront Grand Resort, Cowichan Bay

• Subject: Current DV Units and Threat Assessments; New DV Unit proposal - Victoria Police; Offender Treatment Options-Victoria Probation; DV Case Study. 
• Approximately 78 attendees
• Doug LePard, Pacific Region Chair, attended to make opening remarks.
• Cost $1497 for catering and room charge.

October 29, 2009, Police/Parole Workshop. Introduction to Community Corrections and Risk AssessmentVernon, BC

• 47 attendees.

April 27-30, 2010, Fraser Valley Criminal Justice Conference: Youth, Communities, and the Criminal Justice System
Ramada, Abbotsford, BC

• Subject: Understanding Gangs; Gangs and Violence in the Institution; Internet Exploitation; Active Shooters; Crystal Meth-Community Response; Human Trafficking; Youth Violence; Project Resiliency; Fishing Upstream; Child Abduction; Homicides and Disorders.
• Approximately 225 attendees
• Cost $5000

April 27, 2010, Police/Parole Workshop, Enhancing Community Protection, JIBC New Westminster,

• Subject: Anatomy of Shooting-recent violence in community residential facilities; Response to the increase in gang affiliated offenders on parole-Best Practices; HROU presentation on their role and challenges; Community Corrections Liaison Officer presentation.
• Doug LePard, Pacific Region Chair, attended to make opening remarks, along with representatives from the NPB and CSC.
• Approximately 200 attendees
• Cost $2000

Additional Comments

National Joint Committee business plan 2006-2009

National Joint Committee membership

Chair

Didier Deramond
Chief Inspector
Montreal Police Service

National Parole Board

Shelley Trevethan
A/Executive Director

Michel Frappier
Conditional Release Programs

Vice-chair

Staff Superintendent Mike Federico
Toronto Police Service

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Bob Paulson
Assistant Commissioner Contract and
Aboriginal Policing Services

Immediate Past Chair

Pierre Sangollo
Director Intelligence and Preventive Security
Correctional Service Canada

Public Safety Canada

Mary Campbell
Director General                            
Corrections and Criminal Justice Directorate

National coordinator – NJC

David Arulpooranam
Program and Policy Coordinator
Corrections and Criminal Justice Directorate
Public Safety Canada

Canadian Association of Crown Counsel

James R. Chaffe
President
CACC

Rick Woodburn
Public Prosecution Service

Steve Fudge
Crown Counsel

Samiran P. Lakshman
Crown Counsel
Special Prosecutions

Regional chairs

Ontario
Staff Supt. Mike Federico
Toronto Police Service

Pacific
Teal Maedel
Operational Psychologist
RCMP

Deputy Chief Doug LePard (Immediate Past Chair)
Vancouver Police Department

Atlantic

Chief Stephen N. McIntyre
Rothesay Regional Police Force

Prairies

Wayne Michaluk (Vice Chair)
Area Director
Correctional Service Canada

Quebec

Chief Inspector Didier Deramond
Montreal Police Service

Department of Justice

William (Bill) Bartlett
Senior Counsel
Criminal Law Policy Section

Correctional Service of Canada

Michel Laprade       
Legal Services Unit                        

Chris Price
Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs

Bev Arseneault
Director General, Community Reintegration

Julie Keravel
A/Director General Security

Pierre Sangollo
Director Intelligence and Preventive Security

Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics

John Turner                   
Chief, Policing Services
Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics

Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

Deputy Chief Doug LePard
Vancouver Police Department

Chief Clive Weighill
Saskatoon Police Service

Staff Superintendent Mike Federico
Toronto Police Service

Chief Stephen N. McIntyre
Rothesay Regional Police Force

First Nations Cheifs of Police Association

Chief Stan Grier
President of the FNCPA
Tsuu T'ina Nation Police Service

Date modified:

2022-11-10