Exactly how much force is necessary?
Since the 2016 election, more U.S. citizens than usual have fantasized about emigrating to Canada. And more than the usual number have actually done it. In addition to the nightmare of the present administration, reasons may include Canada’s healthcare system, its assistance with the cost of child care, its generally low crime rate, and its clean air and water. We might want to add Canadian policing to the list, or at least some aspects of the training in de-escalation tactics Canadian officers receive.
The actions of Toronto police constable Ken Lam are a case in point.
On April 23, suspect Alex Minassian struck scores of pedestrians on one of Toronto’s busiest streets, killing 10 and injuring many others. Initially, Constable Lam thought the suspect had a weapon. But by staying calm and implementing his training, he discovered the reverse and was able to subdue and apprehend Minassian using a baton instead of a gun. No one died.
In too many cases, the opposite seems to be taking place in the U.S. In the recent past, we rarely see a story about a suspect apprehended in the way Minassian was. Here, it’s quite different. Think Michael Brown (Ferguson MO), Dontre Hamilton (Milwaukee WI) Eric Garner (New York NY), Tamie Rice (Cleveland OH), Walter Scott (North Charleston SC), Freddie Gray (Baltimore MD). The list goes on. If you were to search the Internet for “unarmed people in the U.S. killed by police,” screens and screens of videos would come up. Search for “unarmed people in Canada killed by police” and what you’ll find mostly is videos of incidents in the States.
Is race a factor in this disparity? Undoubtedly. But differences in police training may also be a factor.
At first glance, the graphics depicting RCMP and US Use of Force Models look like variations of each other. A closer examination reveals important differences. Notice the central role of continually assessing, planning, and acting in the Canadian Model; the emphasis on communication throughout an encounter; the link between perception and tactical considerations. True, these Models are only graphics, but the differences surely reflect differences in the two officer-training programs.
Mike Federico, former deputy chief of the Toronto police devised the Canadian program. After reviewing a video of the Minassian arrest, he observed, “These are all the lessons we teach in our training. This is a great visual.”
Canadian officers receive mental health and de-escalation training every year. By itself, training is unlikely to end the racism that drives at least some police violence in the States. But a person is left to wonder whether Canadian-style training wouldn’t reduce the number of unarmed suspects brought down.
Assess continually. Communicate more. Moderate tactics. Sounds like a plan.