There has been a noticeable increase in the number of shelter-in-place orders being issued by police in recent weeks, which is something that is raising questions from a criminologist at Memorial University.
Adrienne Peters is an associate professor in sociology, specializing in criminology.
Peters says instances of shelter-in-place orders are becoming more common, and one of the concerns that raises is around police resources.
She wonders if it is a sign of a lack of sufficient police resources and community-based supports, and if that is why the orders appear to be more common.
Peters stresses that there are instances where orders for residents to stay inside, and for people to stay away from an area are definitely needed.
That said, she does have concerns about it being used due to inadequate resources.
“Having this as a fallback is certainly concerning, and it’s impacting communities and our feelings of safety. So if this is becoming a fallback, whether it’s due to resources and or insufficient training and technology, then we’re not also addressing the root causes here…Police are putting themselves in harm’s way, individuals are being placed in harm’s way, and communities and the public are potentially having increased fears and anxieties that are potentially unnecessary.”
