90 per cent of Canadians living in the provinces reported in 2019 that they have some or a great deal of confidence in the police. Statistics Canada says those who reported a negative interaction with police in the previous 12 months were significantly more likely to report low confidence in the police. The Juristat article examines perceptions of local police among Canadians aged 15 and older.

Stats Canada says having confidence in and positive attitudes towards the police can impact a person’s view of police legitimacy and their willingness to seek help, report crime, co-operate with police during investigations and abide by the rules of law.

In 2019, 41 per cent of the Canadians polled reported having a great deal of confidence in police while 49 per cent said they had some confidence. Only nine per cent reported having low confidence in police.

At the same time, the numbers were less glowing when looking at a number of specific measures. Only 49 per cent felt police were approachable and easy to talk to. 46 per cent felt police were doing a good job enforcing laws; 44 per cent in terms of ensuring the safety of citizens; 44 per cent in terms of treating people fairly; and only 37 per cent when it comes to police supplying information to the public in ways to prevent crime.

First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people living in the provinces were less likely to report having a great deal of confidence in police; 30 per cent compared with 41 per cent. 16 per cent of Indigenous people reported low confidence as opposed to 9 per cent of the general population.

35 per cent of Canadians belonging to population groups designated as visible minorities reported having a great deal of confidence in police in 2019