Chapter 4: The Invisible Influence on Canadian Police Decision-Making

Many books and empirical reports have been written on the topic of police studies, including the historical origins and development, roles and responsibilities, legal powers officers hold, training and hiring, career progression processes, the stresses, the relationships between the police and the community; the organizational structure of control and accountability; and the work of various units among others. However, policing scholarship is still ‘new’ and needs future research because there is still much to explore. In particular, the authors’ research advocates for new, original and innovative policing research through a social influence lens from the police’s perspective that may serve to widen, expand and provide a more accurate and current picture of policing. It also attempts to include public understanding and confidence in what is and is not known about police work. It is a small step towards re-balancing public perception of policing in Canada.