National Joint Committee of Senior Criminal Justice Officials Annual Report 2010-2011

"Working Together for Safer Communities"

National Joint Committee of Senior Criminal Justice Officials Annual Report 2010-2011 PDF Version (219 KB)
Table of contents

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 2010-11 fiscal year. This report describes the main activities and achievements of the NJC and its regional committees (the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and Pacific regions).

The NJC holds two national meetings per year, while the chairs of the regional committees hold approximately 30 meetings throughout the country's five regions. These meetings address a number of topics, 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. NJC regional committees regularly invite representatives from 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 can attend.

The first national NJC meeting in 2010-11 was held in Ottawa on November 4, 2010, during which we conducted an environmental scan of the various criminal justice organizations in order to establish a three-year strategic plan to guide our work in the years ahead.

The departmental response that day was one of encouragement and support. We dealt with topics such as:

Summerside, Prince Edward Island, in the Atlantic region, was chosen as the location for our second meeting. We held the national meeting to coincide with the regional meeting, where we addressed and shared a range of projects to improve communication among NJC member organizations, such as a project initiated by the Halifax Regional Police.

Thérèse Leblanc, Deputy Commissioner, Correctional Service of Canada, Atlantic Region, and Brian Chase, Parole Board of Canada, also shared their vision and challenges.

The NJC's success has always been a product of its members' dedication and participation. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with members of both the NJC and its regional committee's members who are, without question, exceptionally committed to making a valuable contribution to Canada's criminal justice system.

Much work was accomplished on our new three-year strategic plan, and I am certain that the NJC will continue to play an instrumental role in the criminal justice system for years to come.

The current government has emphasized that public safety is central to its objectives. By focussing on crime prevention and by facilitating dialogue among criminal justice professionals with respect to statutes and law enforcement, the NJC will help the federal government fulfill its mandate. In the course of future meetings, we will certainly have the opportunity to discuss various issues related to public and community safety and build on the success of previous years. For example, we will be organizing a symposium in November 2011 on victims of crime, in partnership with Justice Canada and Public Safety Canada.

I also wish to thank Pierre Sangollo, who has passed on his determination and passion during his 21 years as NJC member and 12 years as National Chair.

And it is on this note that I end my first year as National Chair. Thank you for your commitment to finding innovative, balanced solutions to tackle all issues pertaining to the safety of Canadians.

The NJC, an effective, concerted tool for a safe Canada!

Lastly, I also wish to thank Public Safety Canada for its ongoing financial support since 1973.

Didier Deramond
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 the Parole Board of Canada. 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, PBC, 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.

Today, NJC is a unique coast-to-coast forum that brings together representatives from Public Safety Canada, the Department of Justice, CSC, provincial Crowns, police and the PBC. NJC is also the sole criminal justice forum in Canada that engages people who are active in the operational administration of criminal justice and represents governments, non-governmental organizations and other criminal justice players in discussions on the criminal justice system.

Highlights from the National Meeting

Working Together in a Changing Society
Ottawa, ON, November 4, 2010

Members examined how emerging trends in the criminal justice system entails working together to address issues.

Members heard presentations from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Parole Board of Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Correctional Service Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the First Nations Chief of Police Association.

NJC positioned itself as a tool for criminal justice agencies to share ideas and communicate on a wide range of matters.

General that came out of the meeting:

General Themes of the Meeting:

Sharing Best Practices for a Safer Community
Summerside, PEI, May 5, 2011

The Atlantic region showcased a number of NJC activities that are taking place in the area to enhance community safety.

Members heard presentations from the Atlantic Police Academy, the Halifax Regional Police, New Brunswick Victim Services, the Parole Board of Canada, and Correctional Service Canada.

Highlights from the Regional Meetings

Atlantic Region

Chair: Stephen N. McIntyre

I. Introduction

In late 2010 and January of 2011 meetings were held in Slemon Park, PEI and Moncton, NB in an attempt to revitalize the NJC Atlantic Region. Over the past few years the region had been somewhat inactive and it was recognized that NJC could play a valuable role in improving communications between all agencies involved in the Criminal Justice System. Edgar MacLeod, the Executive Director of the Atlantic Police Academy was contacted by myself as the current chair of the Atlantic Region and with Edgar's past NJC involvement, was able to assist in bringing the group together again. Plans were struck to host the Semi-Annual National Meeting of NJC in Slemon Park, PEI in May 2011 and in addition specific Atlantic Region Meetings will be held in the fall of 2011.

II. Atlantic Region Membership List by name and title

III. Overview of Activities 2010/2011

As noted above, in an attempt to revitalize the Atlantic Region, an initial meeting was held at the Parole office in Moncton, NB and brought together policing representatives as well as representatives from Parole and Corrections to begin discussions on steps that should be taken in order to move forward. Halifax Regional Police and RCMP representatives attended the meeting from the Halifax Area and spoke on the successes they have achieved in providing meaningful reports that assist both Corrections and Parole in the decisions that are required involving the release of inmates. It was clearly understood that an integral part of this process was to better inform the police community of the benefits of providing appropriate information to corrections and parole.

The timing of this attempt to revitalize the Atlantic Region came about just as plans were being made to organize the May 2011 Semi-Annual Conference for NJC. It was determined that there would be a great opportunity to assist by holding the meetings in Prince Edward Island. The conference was held May 5-6 in Slemon Park, PEI and gave those attending a better perspective of what was taking place in the Atlantic Region. At the same time, it provided the opportunity for Atlantic Representatives to become better informed as to the items of concern across the country.

Plans are under way to continue Atlantic Regional discussions leading up to the fall of 2011. Plans are under way to include a broader representation of policing representatives from not only New Brunswick, but other Atlantic Provinces. Both Corrections Canada and the Parole Board of expressed interest and are very engaged in seeing this committee become more active.

IV. Key Initiatives in the Atlantic Region

The Chair will work with the Atlantic Representatives of both Corrections Canada and the Parole Board, together with the police community in furthering discussions on items of mutual interest to all. The May 2011 meeting in Slemon Park, PEI highlighted issues such as the appropriate handling and management of prolific and violent offenders, assistance provided to victims as well as significant issues faced by all agencies in dealing with mental health challenges.

V. Regional Budget

To date, only a very small amount of money was expended in the Atlantic Regional with respect to the Moncton January 2011 initial organizing meeting and the annual budget for the region has been set at $9,000. It is anticipated that some portion of this will be used in order to carry out our fall 2011 regional meetings.

Quebec Region

Chair: Didier Deramond

I. Introduction

The Quebec Regional Joint Committee is very well-established in our region. This year was marked by the arrival of new partners from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Sûreté du Québec, the Service de police de la ville de Montréal and Correctional Service Canada.

The new members are already very involved and their active participation has garnered attention.

We would also like to point out the arrival of a new representative: Sabin Ouellet, Chief Prosecutor.

II. Quebec Region committee membership

III. Overview of activities (2010-11)

We held four meetings in the past year. We addressed the following key topics:

IV. Key initiatives in the Quebec Region

V. Regional budget

The Quebec Region was allocated a budget of $6000. Funds were put toward regional meetings and the printing of a Quebec Regional NJC Pamphlet

Ontario Region

Chair: Mike Federico

I. Introduction

In 2010, the Ontario Region continued to provide a forum where justice partners could address issues of mutual concern. Its Zone 3 Committee held its annual conference (this year it explored human trafficking). And the High Risk Offender Committee was reconstituted with a renewed commitment to help offenders successfully reintegrate into the community. To ensure the NJC remained relevant, the Ontario Region considered expanding its membership beyond the traditional criminal justice partners to include representatives from police services boards.

II. Ontario Regional Membership

Executive Committee Membership List

III. Overview of Activities 2010

In May, the Ontario Region hosted the national meeting where the focus was on the experience of victims and victim services with the Canadian criminal justice system. The meeting was considered so successful it convinced NJC to develop a national strategy. To advance the strategy it was agreed to hold a symposium in November of 2011. Accordingly, the Ontario Region devoted much of its attention to learning more about victim support. In November, it invited Ms Sue O'Sulivan, recently appointed federal Ombudsman for victims of crime, to share the mandate of her office and its priorities. The Committee also pledged to help the national level in developing the symposium on victims' issues.

As well, the committee heard from Mr. Leibovich Ontario's Deputy Director of the High Risk Offender Program about the National Flagging System and the High Risk Offender Court. This program is a cross-Canada initiative designed to track potentially dangerous offenders (DO) and offenders on long term supervision orders (LTO) to ensure that when they face new charges the bail hearing is properly informed and that when they are convicted of subsequent offences an appropriate sentence is imposed. And finally, when they are released at sentence expiry they are properly supervised.

In addition, the committee supported the reconstitution the High Risk Offender Committee a group of police, prosecutors, corrections and community members who explore ways to improve offender reintegration on the premise that successful reintegration will in reduced future victimization.

Finally, Zone 3 of the Ontario Region held its annual conference where it explored the problem of human smuggling. It featured Robert Lombardi a senior representative in the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Attaché Office in Toronto. Also presenting was Cpl. Nilu Singh of the RCMP Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre in Ottawa, a participant in the Federal Government's Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking in Persons. Discussing the municipal police perspective was Cst. Jim Zucchero a member of the of the Peel Regional Police Vice Unit whose duties include investigating and identifying victims of human trafficking. And finally, the conference heard from Ms Timea Eva Nagy, a Toronto sex slave survivor who with courage and perseverance is now an author, speaker, and social advocate who seeks to build public awareness and enact legislation to eliminate human trafficking.

IV. Key Initiatives in the Ontario Region

For 2011 the Ontario Region will focus on increasing its influence in Ontario by expanding its membership beyond the traditional criminal justice partners. It has invited representation from the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards. The committee also committed to support the national victim symposium scheduled for November 2011.

V. Regional Budget

The Ontario Region expended budget funds on supporting the nation meeting in May, holding its regular business meeting in November, assisting the Zone 3 conference, and the December meeting of the High Risk Offender Committee.

Prairie Region

Chairs: Clive Weighill (Man/Sask), Wayne Michaluk (Man/Sask), Jan Fox (AB)

I. Introduction

The Prairie Region has been active over the past year. Thanks to the hard work of Jan Fox, we are making inroads in Alberta. As demonstrated by the membership below, the region is very well represented.

II. Prairie Region Membership

Westman/Dauphin - Local

Winnipeg - Local

Prince Albert - Local

Regina - Local

Saskatoon - Local

Edmonton - Local

Alberta South - Local

III. Overview of Activities 2010/2011

Meetings have been held in all the locals within the region. The Local Chairs are very committed and forward all their meeting minutes to the Regional Chair. Topics covered within the locals include; frequent rotations of Crowns and judges, dangerous offenders, pre-sentence reports, space problems within institutions, numbers within institutions growing due to housing persons with substance and psychological problems, backlog within courts, and vulnerable sector checks.

All local committees report very good relationships amongst criminal justice partners within their areas. Westerman/Dauphin held their annual workshop in September 2010, with over 100 attendees. They hold the workshop at their own expense with each agency assisting with funding. Winnipeg was forced to cancel their workshop due to flooding conditions, but plan to hold one in 2011/2012

The local committees in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert all held 3 meetings during the past year. Alberta is in the midst of forming local committees for the North and South of the province

IV. Prairie Region Key Initiatives

  1. Host the semi-annual NJC Meeting in Edmonton, May 2012
    • Involvement from Police, Corrections, Parole, Prosecutions
  2. Building a strong local representation in Alberta
    • Prairie Chair's meeting held in Edmonton - September, 2010
    • Meeting scheduled In Calgary March 2011
  3. Hold a Prairie Region Chairs meeting in Yellowknife - September 2011

V. Prairie Region Budget

The Prairie Region was allocated $10,000 in the 2010/2011 fiscal year. Of that amount $6,733 was spent. In the fiscal year 2011/2011 we will be allocated $10,000. From that we plan to allocate in the following manner:

Pacific Region

Chairs: Cari Turi, Janice Armstrong

I. Introduction

In 2010, The Pacific Region National Joint Committee continued to grow and expand on past year successes. There continues to be an outstanding commitment from the criminal justice partners which is exemplified by the leadership of the executive committee and the significant engagement of the zone teams. A special thanks to past chair Doug LePard who blazed the path for Pacific Region NJC over the past two years. This region has seen a significant turnover of the executive committee and an increase in zone membership. Commitment and communication will continue to be key in the region's success and as the new chair I can say, that by all accounts, we are up to the challenge! Thanks to all the membership for a great job in 2010 and for your continued support and efforts in 2011!

II. Pacific Region Membership

III. Overview of Activities 2010

April 27, 2010 - The lower mainland zone hosted a workshop focused on enhancing community protection. Topics included a presentation on "The Mission Oriented Shooter" by Dr. Mary-Ellen O'Toole of the FBI, The National Weapons Enforcement Team and Managing gang affiliated offenders within CSC.

September 21, 2010- Paul Patterson, Communications manager for the Vancouver City Police facilitated a day long strategic planning session for the NJC Pacific Region executive.

Nov 19, 2010 - The Vancouver Island zone hosted a workshop on the Examination of the Mentally Disordered Offender in conflict with the Criminal Justice System.

Nov 23, 2010 The NJC Executive in partnership with the RCMP Behavioral Sciences group hosted a day long interagency meeting of the experts on internet child exploitation.

IV. Key Initiatives in the Pacific Region

The executive committee has established two key objectives for 2011:

Objective #1

Strengthen NJC participation across BC and the Yukon to be inclusive of all participating agencies throughout the geographical zones in the region by:

Objective #2

Conduct communication initiatives to promote the role of NJC Pacific Region and to facilitate cooperation among the components of the criminal justice system by:

V. Regional Budget

The Pacific Region spent the received budget of $9000 and also received additional funding at end of fiscal year to allow for the updated print of the Pacific Region NJC Police Parole Handbook.

National Joint Committee Strategic Plan 2011-2012

Mission

Contribute to the establishment of effective partnerships to improve the administration of criminal justice in Canada

Values

2010-12 Action Plan

Objective #1

Maintain an efficient and effective mechanism of information sharing and communication among criminal justice system partners

Objective #2

Enhance consultations and the advisory role of the Committee within federal, provincial and territorial governments on issues pertaining to the various criminal justice services

Objective #3

Enhance relationships among member organizations and the Criminal Justice community, to establish lasting ties for improved coordination and consultation.

Strategy

National Joint Committee Membership

Chair

Didier Deramond
Chief inspector
Specialized Investigations Service
Montreal Police Service

Immediate Past Chair

Pierre Sangollo
Director Intelligence and Preventive Security
Correctional Service Canada

Vice-Chair

Michael Federico
Deputy Chief of Police
Toronto Police Service

National Coordinator - NJC

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

Regional Chairs

Pacific

Cari Turi (Co-Chair)
A/Associate District Director
Community Corrections, Pacific Region
Correctional Service Canada

Janice Armstrong (Co-Chair)
Operations Officer & Assistant District Commander
RCMP

Prairies

Clive Weighill
(Co- Chair, Man/Sask focus)
Chief
Saskatoon Police Service

Wayne Michaluk
(Vice chair, Man/Sask focus)
Area Director
South Saskatchewan Parole
Correctional Service Canada

Jan Fox
(Co - Chair, AB focus)
District Director
Correctional Service Canada

Ontario

Michael Federico
Deputy Chief of Police
Toronto Police Service

Quebec

Didier Deramond
Chief inspector
Specialized Investigations Service
Montreal Police Service

Atlantic

Stephen N. McIntyre
Chief
Rothesay Regional Police Force

Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

Clive Weighill
Chief
Saskatoon Police Service

Didier Deramond
Chief inspector
Specialized Investigations Service
Montreal Police Service

Michael Federico
Deputy Chief of Police
Toronto Police Service

Stephen N. McIntyre
Chief
Rothesay Regional Police Force

Ronald Boudreault
Inspecteur
Chef du Service des renseignements criminels
Sûreté du Québec

First Nations Chiefs of Police Association

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

Correctional Service of Canada

Cari Turi (Co-Chair)
A/Associate District Director
Community Corrections, Pacific Region
Correctional Service Canada

Dave Keating
Area Director
Vancouver Island Community Corrections
Correctional Service Canada

Wayne Michaluk
(Vice chair, Man/Sask focus)
Area Director
South Saskatchewan Parole
Correctional Service Canada

Michel Laprade
Legal Services Unit
Correctional Service Canada

Jan Fox
District Director
Correctional Service Canada

Chris Price
Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs
Correctional Service Canada

Carmen Long
A/Director General, Community Reintegration
Correctional Service Canada
Julie Keravel
A/Director General Security
Correctional Service Canada

Pierre Sangollo
Director Intelligence and Preventive Security
Correctional Service Canada

Parole Board of Canada

Shelley Trevethan
Executive Director General
Parole Board of Canada

Michel Frappier
Regional Manager
Conditional Release Programs
Parole Board of Canada

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Bob Paulson
RCMP Assistant
Contract and Aboriginal Policing Services

Teal Maedel
Operational Psychologist
RCMP

Janice Armstrong (Co-Chair)
Operations Officer & Assistant District Commander
RCMP

Department of Justice

William (Bill) Bartlett
Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Policy
Department of Justice Canada

Pamela Arnott
Director and Senior Counsel
Policy Centre for Victims Issues
Department of Justice Canada

Canadian Association of Crown Counsel

James R. Chaffe
President
CACC/ACJE

Rick Woodburn
Public Prosecution Service

Steve Fudge
Crown Counsel
Ministry of Attorney General

Samiran P. Lakshman
Crown Counsel
Special Prosecutions

Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics

John Turner
Chief
Policing Services
Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics

Public Safety Canada

Mary Campbell
Director General
Corrections and Criminal Justice Directorate

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