JOURNAL ARTICLE

Revisiting the "Velvet Glove" versus the "Iron Fist": Canadian Police Tactical Teams and Community Policing.

  • Published In: Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice, 2025, v. 67, n. 3. P. 86 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Towns, Zachary; Ricciardelli, Rosemary 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines how specialized police tactical (TAC) teams in two Canadian municipal police services engage in community policing, particularly through participation in community events. Despite public concerns linking TAC teams to police militarization, the study finds that TAC officers view community engagement as a valuable part of their role that fosters pro-social interactions, enhances job satisfaction, and helps educate the public to counter negative perceptions of militarization. While TAC teams maintain operational secrecy regarding tactics, they are generally open to showcasing equipment and interacting with civilians to build trust. The findings suggest that, in the Canadian context, TAC involvement in community policing is compatible with, rather than opposed to, community-oriented policing principles and may improve police legitimacy and public trust.

Additional Information

  • Source:Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice. 2025/07, Vol. 67, Issue 3, p86
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Law
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1707-7753
  • DOI:10.3138/cjccj-2025-0031
  • Accession Number:190284404
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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