Quality assurance in Canadian police services

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence of quality assurance, risk management, and audit practices at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of law enforcement in Canada. Based on open‐ended interviews and surveys with management of law enforcement agencies, the study attempts to determine the extent to which these practices are in place, the structure of managing these functions, including the tools that are used to do so and the role of these functions within the organization. Design/methodology/approach The survey was sent to 104 police services, which are represented in the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. A total of 30 people responded on behalf of 23 police agencies. The survey was supplemented with in‐depth interviews with selected police services. Findings There was a high level of consensus around the reasons for undertaking these processes and the rankings were also remarkably consistent. The way in which risks are defined varies from organization to organization but some common patterns emerge. The top risks are those associated with the external environment (80.77 per cent) and operational risks (76.92 per cent). Originality/value The study confirmed the challenges associated with establishing rigorous professional standards, while balancing the interests of different stakeholders in the development and application of the process.