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Criminological Training and the Justice System in Quebec

NCJ Number
73355
Journal
Deviance et societe Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1980) Pages: 43-52
Author(s)
C DeTroy
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
While criminological training has expanded the professional corps and the knowledge base of criminological personnel operating in the justice system of Quebec, such training is often difficult to relate to actual practices.
Abstract
Three main categories of criminologists have developed; officers or salaried staff, professionals or practitioners, and supporting or auxiliary staff. Those in positions of administration or management arrived there either after years of experience or with advanced degrees in criminological training. The professional level, however, encompasses persons ranging from probation officers, parole officers, and penitentiary experts, to forensic scientists for psychiatrists, most of whom have diplomas, in criminology. The establishment of a department of criminology at the University of Montreal in the early 1960's spurred this development of a large group of criminological professionals. Before long there was even a series of evening classes for those already working within the justice system. Criminological studies seemed to grow out of the new emphasis on offender social reintegration, treatment, and reeducation. The government supported this emphasis and helped to promote criminological training for new criminal justice personnel as well as for persons already well entrenched in the system. While new personnel come to the system with a deeper understanding of offenders, crime causes, and the labeling effects of social reactions, and already practicing personnel gain objectivity to their working field, many find it difficult to associate their studies of theory with practice. Nevertheless, police officers and custodial personnel do seem to exercise their duties with a heightened sensitivity for their charges, justice system personnel operate with a more comprehensive grasp of their activities and many whose roles within the criminal justice system had seemed without challenge have acquired a sense of purpose and are able to undertake more responsibilities with their increased criminological knowledge. Ten references are provided.