CAPC

Since 1990, there has been a series of projects supported by the government of Canada around the issue literacy and access to justice.

The mission of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) is "leading progressive change in policing". One of the Association's core beliefs is that "quality police service ... must enhance the safety and development of communities". The CACP aims to enhance confidence in police, as a point of entry into the criminal justice system, and as the trusted voice for community safety.

Along with over forty other national non-governmental organizations, the CACP has formed a Coalition on Community Safety, Health and Well-being. The Coalition has identified factors that increase the risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Coalition members encourage investment in those measures shown to improve the physical and mental health, economic opportunity, education, career development and early childhood development of Canadians. Literacy is one of those measures. There is a strong rationale for activities in the area of literacy and access to justice.

The goal of the Literacy and Policing in Canada project is to work with police organizations on a professional development initiative aimed at increasing police awareness of literacy challenges that may be a factor in their interactions with victims of crime, suspects, witnesses and the general public. It will encourage police and community to work together in using creative and proven means to break down the barrier to justice that illiteracy can represent, and advocate and promote literacy initiatives at the local community level.