Overview

Calvin Lawrence became a cop at age twenty. He was recruited by the Halifax police department at a time of heightened racial tension in the city. From the start, some fellow African Canadians wondered if he had sold out. White citizens wondered whether a black Canadian even belonged in the job. Calvin takes readers into his confidence as he learns to navigate as a beat cop, and how to deal with racism in the community -- and worse, in the police force itself. Lawrence leaves Halifax to join the RCMP. He shares his experiences about basic training in Regina, followed by a stint as Newfoundland's only black Mountie. He is pegged for undercover work there, but before long his cover is blown. RCMP stereotyping leads him into Toronto's notorious drug squad as an undercover police officer, and then to years in elite Mountie squads protecting prime ministers and presidents. Throughout his career, Calvin experiences hostility and racism within the force -- completely contrary to the officvalues and image of the RCMP. Standing up for his rights gets him blacklisted for advancement, and ultimately leads him to clinical depression arising from workplace hostility and mistreatment. As a seventh-generation Canadian, Calvin Lawrence has written a book which lays bare key failures of Canadian police organizations. Even today they operate on the basis that only white Canadians are entitled to the rights promised to all by the rule of law and the Canadian Charter of Rights.

Full Product Details

9781459414488

Table of Contents

Reviews

A blunt and shocking expose on the ignorance and prejudice that still exists in many of Canada's law enforcement operations ... This book is must read for anyone who works in the criminal justice system in Canada, students in criminology or those who are considering whether or not to go into policing as a career. --Ottawa Life Magazine Black Cop is an enlightening and persuasive read.--Miramichi Reader

Author Information

CALVIN LAWRENCE joined the Halifax police department in 1969. As an amateur boxer, he was slated to represent Canada at the 1976 Olympics, which ended after opposition from his police force. He joined the Mounties, where he served in detachments in Holyrood, Newfoundland; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Ottawa, Ontario. He received numerous citations and awards for his service, including a 25-year service medal and was a long-time member of the Association of Black Law Enforcers. When his career was stymied by Mountie officials, he lodged a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. His case resulted in a confidential settlement and he was awarded a veteran's disability pension. He now lectures on police issues, teaches boxing and participates in several volunteer organizations. He lives in Ottawa. MILES HOWE is a PhD candidate and an instructor at Queen's University at Kingston, Ontario. A former freelance journalist based in Halifax, he is also the author of Debriefing Elsipogtog: The Anatomy of a Struggle. Miles lives in Kingston.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available