Ethics and Canadian Law Enforcement offers a comprehensive overview of law enforcement decision-making procedures in Canada, and evaluates the ethical conduct expected of law enforcement personnel, such as police officers, sheriffs, correctional officers, and private security. Dr. Richard Parent, a police officer for more than 30 years, draws on his professional experience to examine codes of conduct, internal investigations, misconduct and discipline, and the purpose of the civilian review.

This text provides an exceptional overview of the theories, personal morals, values, and tenets of professionalism that lay the foundation for ethical decision-making. Selected topics examine the use of force; on and off-duty challenges; issues of accountability and oversight; the application of issued firearms; diversity in the law enforcement workforce; and the considerations that are unique to law enforcement policies within Indigenous communities.

This accessible resource, which features boxed examples, chapter summaries, key terms, self-evaluation questions, and critical thinking exercises, is ideal for college and university students enrolled in police foundation and criminal justice programs, as well as law enforcement training agencies.

Richard Parent is an Associate Professor of Police Studies in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Parent is a subject-matter expert in the areas of police ethics and accountability, and provides expert testimony in US and Canadian courts in matters that pertain to police shootings and the use of deadly force.

Richard Parent's profile page

Catherine Parent, MEd, is a nurse clinician, researcher, writer, and educator promoting individual and family mental health who also collaborates with Richard Parent in policing projects. Together they research and co-author major reports concerning police-involved shootings, police and mental health, ethics in law enforcement, and community policing practices.

Catherine Parent's profile page

“This textbook fills a meaningful gap in police foundations, justice studies, and criminology courses as it includes valuable perspectives on women and Indigenous peoples in policing.”

—John Irwin, University of Guelph-Humber