Perceptions and Experiences of Black Canadians with Law Enforcement and the Judicial System
In the five years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, 16% of Black Canadians aged 15 or older reported facing discrimination in encounters with the police. This percentage was notably higher among men, with 21% reporting incidents of discrimination, compared to 13% among women.
Data from the 2020 General Social Survey on Social Identity revealed that 54% of Black individuals aged 15 or older expressed confidence in the police service, justice system, and courts. Interestingly, women exhibited higher levels of confidence in the police (59%) compared to men (49%). However, both women and men demonstrated similar levels of confidence in the justice system and courts, with rates of 55% and 54%, respectively.
These statistics provide valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of Black Canadians regarding interactions with law enforcement and confidence in the judicial system. The data underscores the importance of addressing issues of discrimination and building trust between the Black community and key institutions to promote inclusivity, fairness, and justice for all.
Sources:
- Experience(s) of discrimination, reason(s) and context(s) of discrimination, 5 years before and since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, by groups designated as visible minorities and selected sociodemographic characteristics, 2020
- Confidence in Canadian institutions, by groups designated as visible minorities and selected sociodemographic characteristics, 2020
