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Solicitor General Solliciteur général Canada Canada
Ministry Secrétariat Secretariat du Ministère
*--« THE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT
SUMMER TOUR 1987
FINAL REPORT
Consultation Centre Centre de consultation
HV
/987 v THE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT
SUMMER TOUR 1987
FINAL REPORT
• 's ' ~ CAteD" DEC 9 199.2 . cee 4 , e
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•re • es' rbs- \ - ,k,e5 •k• • J e ■ ,eee •,b, el ... Prepared by: e.eb› 4" e , .,e À,e • re, 6eF ».e' e Q,Ç e e - Marc Vger, .1,he e e s.e • ,z,. - Communications Assistant Ç.pve et) , ee° e, Consultation Centre efr - Atlantic Region e August 1987 (i)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page(s)
1. MODEL AND PROCEDURES FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT 1-10 i. Logic For the Participation of Other Groups in the Exhibit 1-3 ii. The Rationale for the Involvement of Related Organizations 4-6
iii. Steps Taken to Establish Contacts in Each Community 6-10
2. REACTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT 11-20
i. Federal Government Agencies 11-14
ii. Provincial Government Agencies 14, 15 iii. Non-government Agencies 15, 16 iv. Media 16-18
v. Public 18-20
3. EVALUATION OF THE EXHIBIT AND IDEAS FOR FUTURE TOURS 21-31
i. Evaluation of Preparation Work for Each Site Visited 21-23 ii. Evaluation of Each Site Visited 23 iii. Types of Sites Visited and Suggested Alternate Sites 23-27
iv. Media 27, 28 v. Evaluation of Response to Enquiries for More Information 28, 29
vi. Evaluation of Types of Information Distributed 29, 30 vii. Evaluation of Experiments With Audio-Visual Aids 30, 31 (ii) TABLE OF CONTENTS - (Continued)
Page(s)
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Future Tours 32, 33 2. Advance Preparation 32 3. Length of Visits 33 4. Media 33
5. Audio-Visual Equipment 33 1. MODEL AND PROCEDURES FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT.
The purpose of this first section is to outline in detail what steps were taken to conduct the 1987 Summer Tour of the Criminal Justice Exhibit. The process of organizing a summer tour for the Criminal Justice Exhibit began long before the three summer students were hired (May 11, 18, 1987). A contract to get the exhibit underway was given to Ms. Francine Gallant. Specifically, Ms. Gallant's tasks included:
- consultations with selected criminal justice agencies regarding the development of an exhibit itinerary; - the establishment of an itinerary for the period April 25 to August 15;
- and to assist in the selection and training of three exhibit staff members.
These activities are explained in detail in a report prepared by Francine Gallant and submitted to the Consultation Centre/ Atlantic on August 1, 1987.
Since the process of implementing the necessary mechanisms to get the Criminal Justice Exhibit underway have already been recorded, this section will be devoted to the preparatory work required before the exhibit visits a site.
i. Logic For The Participation Of Other Groups In The Exhibit. The Criminal Justice Exhibit was designed to increase public awareness of the criminal justice system. Installing a
.../2 2
flashy exhibit in a shopping centre, especially when staffed by an outsider, does not automatically ensure the achievement of this goal.
The Consultation Centre/Atlantic is responsible for a very large geographical territory comprised of four provinces. This means that while the administration of federal programs probably follows standard procedures in the four provinces, other components of the justice system differ from province to province. The provinces have adopted their justice systems to meet their particular needs. Each province will also differ in the number and types of non-govermental organizations working in the field of justice. It is, therefore, natural to expect that issues and the public's perception of the justice system will differ in various regions of Atlantic Canada. Consequently, to succeed in our goal to educate the public on the criminal justice system, it was necessary to devise a system which would give the exhibit enough flexibility to truly meet the needs of all Atlantic Canadians. Before the Criminal Justice Exhibit visited a community, the Consultation Centre/Atlantic communicated with various organizations involved in the justice system. These contacts began with representatives from other federal agencies such as the R.C.M.P., National Parole Board, and Correctional Service of
Canada. Provincial organizations were then contacted and included provincial probation officers, departments of social services, and crown attorneys. Municipal and local police forces
. . ./3 3
were also made aware the exhibit would be in their area. Finally, other organizations such as halfway houses, crisis centres, the John Howard Society, and family support units were contacted.
Appendix "A" contains a list of all groups that were invited to participate with the exhibit. A quick glance at this list indicates the importance of our efforts to involve related organizations.
The importance of contacting .these groups became obvious during the early stages of the tour. Not only did advising them of the exhibit's schedule make for good public relations on the part of the Ministry, but it also contributed toward the communications role of the Consultation Centre with Atlantic
Canadians. Local input was always sought before selecting a site for the exhibit. Since a number of issues can be highlighted through the exhibit, emphasis was placed on the needs of each community visited.
Contact with these various organizations was not limited to the selection of the shopping centre where the exhibit was to be set up. Groups were invited to contribute any of their own produced materials that related to the themes of the exhibit or promoted their organization. They were also invited to participate directly by staffing the exhibit in the company of a trained staff member.
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ii. The Rationale For The Involvement Of Related Organizations. One of the single most important factors that contributed to the success of the 1987 summer tour of the Criminal Justice
Exhibit was the participation of related groùps or organizations. Their contribution towards helping meet the goals and objectives of the tour was immeasurable.
These groups are a tremendous source of information to their community. When contacts were properly established, virtually no questions from the public eluded exhibit staff members. Susan
Bour and Louis Cormier were qualified to answer general questions relating to the criminal justice system. The materials available from the exhibit for public distribution was general in nature.
The themes of the exhibit, while being quite specific, also provided members of the public with rather general information. There is a need for this information and it serves a vital function in educating the public. More specific questions were, however, a frequent occurrence.
In some cases, people needing help would seek the advice of the students working on the exhibit. For instance, in Moncton a young girl who had been sexually abused came to us for help. Fortunately, the staff person on duty had the necessary information to refer this young person to someone qualified to help. Often, people came to the exhibit with a distorted picture of the crime situation in their community. It is very difficult
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for a staff member, without having knowledge of the area, to set people straight by giving them the correct information. A police officer, however, can answer these questions. In order to present a complete picture of the justice system, it was necessary to have local input. We did our best to have a local element at every site.
The presence of related organizations also made a different type of contribution to the exhibit. They were able to advise staff members concerning local issues and services. In addition, they could advise the students on practical matters such as where to find a service station or a good restaurant. This made their stay in the community much more pleasant. At one point the staff members were on the road for more than one month. These contacts added a human dimension to their job.
Finally, by spending some time with a member of a women's group in Summerside, or with someone from a youth diversion program in Sydney, we were able to demonstrate to these organizations, and many others, that the Consultation
Centre/Atlantic remains committed to the prevention of crime through a society that understands and participates in its criminal justice system. Very often, these groups were surprised to find out how much information was available from this office and how useful this information could be to them. The students rarely had pamphlets and booklets remaining when they returned from a site. What was not distributed to the public was usually donated to a local group.
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The exhibit served as a vehicle to introduce the Consultation Centre/Atlantic to many new groups. These groups will be excellent contacts for a future exhibit tour, or for any activities the Consultation Centre undertakes in those areas. With a little work, a good mailing list could be developed from Appendix "A".
iii. Steps Taken To Establish Contacts In Each Community.
In general, five steps were followed to establish contacts before the Criminal Justice Exhibit visited a particular community.
Step One
The establishment of a list of contacts of groups that would be invited to participate with the exhibit always began by soliciting the advice of Mr. Dan Stote, Regional Consultant and
Mr. Jim Wood, Associate Regional Consultant. The Consultation
Centre deals with many groups and organizations on a regular basis. Since these groups were already familiar with our office, and in many cases with the exhibit, they were ready to help out in any way they could. A letter introducing the exhibit, describing its themes, and explaining the objectives of the tour was then sent to these groups. The same letter was sent to the
R.C.M.P., local or municipal police, parole and probation officers, and correctional people.
• • ./7 7 Step Two
' Within a reasonable period of time, groups who received the letter of introduction were contacted by telephone. The purpose of the phone call was to answer any questions they might have on the exhibit and to reiterate our commitment to involve local groups with the exhibit. The possibility of involving volunteers from these organizations was discussed at this time. As much as possible, we attempted to assist the groups to meet their own objectives by promoting their programs, handing out their materials, or by sharing our space with them. Since there are so many different aspects to the justice system, groups that were contacted were always involved in programs that related to the themes of the exhibit. It seemed natural to ask these groups to participate, because without their presence it would have been impossible to present a complete picture of the justice system. These telephone conversations also provided us with the opportunity to ask the various organizations if they could suggest other groups that would be interested in getting involved with the exhibit. A strategy to contact the media was always discussed with several key groups. Usually, we sought the advice of the community relations officer from the local police force. In some cases, the R.C.M.P. chose to communicate with the media directly. In most cases, however, the police department shared their media contacts with us. These were very valuable when calling the media. In areas where local police were not as cooperative, other groups were asked for advice concerning the media.
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Finally, these telephone conversations served to get a feeling for the community. Groups were asked if they were aware of any justice issues that were of particular concern to their community. When specific issues came up, we did our best to find information on them. For instance, when the exhibit went to
Yarmouth, it was important to have some information on the Sikh immigrants, as they came to shore in that area, and the issue was still being discussed in the daily news.
Step Three
By the time the third part of the process to establish contacts rolled around, there was rarely more than a week before the exhibit visited the community. A second round of phone calls were made to new groups suggested to us by the first group of people contacted. When time allowed, these groups received an information package.
The media was contacted a few days before the exhibit was set up in the community. It is important to remember that the
Criminal Justice Exhibit was not visiting large urban centres with huge media conglomerates. At best, in each community there were a few weekly newspapers, a daily newspaper, one or two radio stations, and in some cases, a local television station. It would not have been constructive to send information to the media weeks in advance.
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In most cases, the report on the exhibit was completed by the journalist we contacted on the telephone or that received information on the exhibit. These journalists were not interested in reading sterile and standard press releases with an agenda provided in appendix. By speaking to the journalists directly, it was possible to introduce them to the exhibit staff members, but most importantly, to discuss the local involvement of other groups. The media's reaction to the fact that local groups were involved with the Criminal Justice Exhibit was always very enthusiastic. It seemed clear, in some cases, that they would not have done a report if not for the local element.
When the media was contacted it was always advised that the exhibit carried a substantial amount of information on the criminal justice system. They were informed that we would be happy to assist anyone from their station or paper doing a story on the justice system, by suggesting information on the topic in question. The media seemed very appreciative of this offer and several journalists accepted.
Step Four
When the exhibit staff members arrived in the community being visited, they contacted the groups that had been reached from the office. This contact was mainly in the form of a telephone call advising the organizations of the exhibit's arrival, and reiterating our invitation to visit the exhibit.
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These contacts enabled the students to finalize any details concerning the sharing of materials, or schedules for volunteers to help staff the exhibit. Again, these contacts personalized the tour.
The media was also contacted for a second time from the community being visited to schedule times for interviews and work out other details.
Step Five
Thank you letters were sent to all the groups and organizations that participated with the exhibit. Information request forms were also answered following the return of the exhibit to Moncton.
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2. REACTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT
Generally, the exhibit was received very well by all groups concerned. This section will be devoted to an analysis of how the exhibit was percieved by government and non-government agencies, the media, and the public. The fact that we will analyse each group individually is an indication of the importance placed on each group who dislayed an interest in obtaining more information on the criminal justice system. In a time where the media and lobby groups play an ever increasing role in the public decision making process, it is no longer possible to regard the public as a homogenous entity.
While it will be impossible to describe the reaction of every organization contacted, this section will present an overview of how the Criminal Justice Exhibit was received by various groups. i. Federal Government Agencies
Federal government agencies generally demonstrated an enthusiastic response toward the Criminal Justice Exhibit. _Most agencies already knew about the exhibit because of previous contacts made from this office. In fact, R.C.M.P. detachments from many Nova Scotia communities had made a specific request to have the exhibit visit their areas.
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While groups such as local parole officers or the R.C.M.P. were pleased that the exhibit visited their community, they were not as eager to contribute a lot of time and effort. This is probably due to the fact that during the summer, these organizations were short on staff because of vacations. In many communities there were only one or two parole officers, often responsible for a very large territory. It is understandable
that they did not have much time to contribute to the exhibit.
Nevertheless, in most cases the R.C.M.P. was extremely cooperative.
This situation changed when the exhibit visited larger
centres such as Moncton or St. John's. The staff of the National Parole Board (NPB) in Moncton, for instance, was large enough to have someone work at the exhibit during peak hours. Their
Correspondence and Information Officer, Ms. A. M. Kowalchuk was able to travel to a few sites in New Brunswick. Ms. Kowalchuk also provided us with information kits on the NPB that were distributed in 18 communities throughout Atlantic Canada. These kits were distributed at every conference and site visited during the summer.
In St. John's, a screening of the film "A Question of Readiness" was arranged through the NPB. Mr. Oh i Ingstrup,
Chairman of the National Parole Board, visited the exhibit while
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the video was playing. A lot of people who viewed the video
found it very educational. Copies were made for future use by this office.
Part of the materials available for general distribution
included an information sheet from the National Victims Resource Centre (NVRC). This sheet, distributed by the hundreds, invited people seeking additional information about victims to write to
the NVRC. In addition, every time we responded to a request for more information, the sheet on the NVRC was included with the information package.
On July 16, we received a telephone call from Coleen Wetmore, Co-ordinator of the NVRC. She wanted to personally thank us for promoting the Centre. She has been receiving many requests from
the Atlantic region this summer, and attributes them to exhibit. This was a perfect example of how federal government departments, by working together, can assist one another to achieve common
goals. The exhibit staff members always made a point of visiting the
R.C.M.P. detachment in the community where the exhibit was set
up. This demonstrated that we were genuinely interested in working with them. In some cases, their initial reaction seemed to indicate that they were too busy to preoccupy themselves with
an exhibit. In no cases, however, did this attitude prevail when they received the information package on
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the exhibit. In detachments with an assigned crime prevention officer, contacts were always easier and smoother. There are still many unrealized opportunities to establish working relationships with other segments of the federal government and our department. The opportunities are especially limitless as they relate to the exhibit. ii. Provincial Government Agencies The reaction of the provincial government agencies contacted varied from province to province. Prince Edward Island was the province that demonstrated the most enthusiasm towards the exhibit. Our office has two excellent contacts at the P.E.I.
Department of Justice. Mr. Phil Arbing and Ms. Jill Lightwood did everything they could possibly do to assist us. In fact, Ms. Lightwood used her personal contacts to help us by involving non- governmental organizations such as a women's center. She also contacted the Community Legal Information Association of P.E.I. Inc., and coordinated their participation with the exhibit.
In Edmundston, New Brunswick, the reaction of provincial government agencies was totally different. In almost every case, people asked if we realized they were not part of the federal government. Close federal/provincial participation on such projects does not seem to be a very frequent occurrence in that part of New Brunswick. Groups seemed preoccupied with the fact that we would actually invite them to participate with us. The fact that we did so, helped alleviate many myths they had about the federal government. .../15 - 15 -
In every province where the departments of social services, justice, or other provincial groups were invited to participate,
the experience was very positive. Services are the bottom line in the mind of the public. The average person visiting the exhibit is not concerned about whether his or her question relates to a federal or provincial program. For example, many people consider parole and probation to be the same and are not concerned with federal/provincial responsibility. They just want
answers. On these occasions, when questioned from the public on government services, we were usually able to refer them to the proper authorities; provincial or federal. Suffice it to say
that people did not receive a bureaucratic run around in response to their questions. Finally, the Consultation Centre/Atlantic has been receiving many requests for information from provincial government employees. This indicates that the information we can provide is both useful and interesting. These intitial contacts with
, provincial government employees, who did not yet recognize the Consultation Centre as a valuable resource, are probably the first of many.
iii. Non-government Agencies Non-government agencies do not normally have the flexibility
of large government departments. These groups were always very eager to receive public exposure or to have someone from their organization help with the exhibit.
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It is among these groups that the Consultation Centre/
Atlantic was the least known. While some groups had dealt with the office previously, they usually did not know very much about our role.
The Consultation Centre/Atlantic was int,roduced to them as a resource to call upon to assist in obtaining information on criminal justice issues, or establishing contacts with other groups. Many groups not aware of the office previously, were desperate for information such as brochures or pamphlets. As many as twelve information requests have been received from voluntary and para-public organizations. This is a substantial
amount considering that they also received much information at the exhibit by way of brochures, pamphlets, etc. The Programs
Branch User Reports seem to be of particular interest and use to them.
iv. Media The media responded to the Criminal Justice Exhibit in a very positive manner. Their enthusiasm was due in part to the slow
summer period where news is hard to come by. Local involvement with the exhibit was also an asset in getting the media interested.
Two experiments with public services announcements (PSA) demonstrated to us that a PSA program should be developed in the future. Radio and television stations in Sydney, Nova Scotia and
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Corner Brook, Newfoundland were asked to promote the exhibit as a public service. In both cases, free announcements ranging from 30 to 60 seconds were broadcast during the regularly allocated slot for such announcements.
Completing the PSAs requires a lot of time and energy. Short messages have to be composed. Each station has different time requirements depending upon the lengths of their PSAs. It is not advisable to send a schedule and expect the station to determine when and where the exhibit will be in town. Stations receive dozen of requests for PSAs each year. An announcement for the exhibit will be competing with events such as bake sales for senior citizen homes, and Red Cross blood donor clinics. If we want the PSA to be broadcast, the station should be supplied with a background letter, sample PSA, and scheduling information for that particular location. In addition, a phone call from our office, or from the local police should be made to the station. If the use of PSAs is to become part of the exhibit, a program will have to be developed before the exhibit "hits the
road". With only one person in the office responsible for making contacts, there is no time to work out such systems if they are not already in place before the tour begins.
A particular effort to accommodate weekly newspapers was made this summer. Every time the exhibit visited a city with a weekly newspaper, I called them personally and devoted much time
explaining the exhibit and its purposes and objectives. I also
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placed particular emphasis on the fact that the exhibit could be an invaluable source of information to them. In almost every case, a representative from the newspaper visited the exhibit and completed a story. In some cases, they picked up information on the criminal justice system, however, I do not think it resulted in any feature stories on topics such as parole or child abuse. Journalists who visited the exhibit were asked to send a copy of their article to this office. A few newspapers obliged, however, most did not. In future, perhaps a self-addressed stamped envelope should be provided. I had a lengthy discussion with Gilles Allain, Directeur
Général et Rédacteur en chef of the Moniteur in Shédiac, New
Brunswick. He claims that weekly publications do not have sufficient time to write feature stories themselves. Most features that are printed by these papers are forwarded to them in a packaged format ready for the press. The Consultation Centre/Atlantic might consider doing feature documentaries with emphasis on the Atlantic region and sending them to weekly papers. v. Public
The general public reacted with enthusiasm to the exhibit. The computerized video unit is an excellent tool to attract people. The video games are designed in such a manner that once people start playing, they want to keep learning more.
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The materials available for general distribution were also appreciated by the public. The back drop and the information table provided a setting that was conducive to discussions with the public. People seemed impressed with the variety of information available to them. The presence of local people also made the exhibit a place where the public felt more confortable and wanted to learn more about the justice system.
The exhibit attended four conferences during the summer. It is at these sites that we received the most favourable response. People attend conferences because of their interest in a given field. Before going to a conference we completed extensive research on its general themes. This enabled us to present very relevant material to the participants. Most of these materials were in the form of user reports.
Our experience this summer confirmed that there is a need for information among the public. An estimated two thousand pamphlets and brochures were distributed. One of the video games entitled "Myths and Realities of the Criminal System" provided us with concrete proof that the public has many misconceptions about the justice system. Even law enforcement officers who played this game rarely got all the answers correct. Hopefully, people who visited the exhibit now know more about the realities of the justice system. Many more, however, still have certain misconceptions. Our work is not finished yet.
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Finally, the public seems generally ignorant of the role of the Ministry of the Solicitor General and, in particular, the Consultation Centre. General information about both should always be available in sufficant quantities when . making presentations to the general public.
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3. EVALUATION OF THE EXHIBIT AND IDEAS FOR FUTURE TOURS
The following section will serve to record the different experiments conducted this summer with the exhibit. Generally, everything went very well. Reflecting on the summer, no major (or minor) hitches occurred. In every endeavour, however, there is room for improvement. The seven following sections will outline some of the areas that can be improved upon in future tours. i. Evaluation of Preparation Work For Each Site
A TOTAL OF 128 GROUPS WERE CONTACTED AND INVITED TO PARTICIPATE WITH THE EXHIBIT.
If future tours are to enjoy the success attained this summer, it is absolutely imperative that related organizations from both the public and private sectors be invited to participate with the exhibit. This summer 128 groups were contacted in 18 communities. (See Appendix "C" for list of communities visited) The next time these communities are visited by the exhibit, these contacts will already know about us. 'The names and phone numbers of the people reached have been recorded and are contained in Appendix "A". These contacts should be expanded upon. On average, we had two
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days to make all contacts for a site. This included contacting everyone from the press to the R.C.M.P. Fortunately, it was possible to work on several sites at the same time by sending letters a couple of weeks in advance and then following up with telephones calls. Had Susan Bour and Louis Cormier not spent hours confirming contacts by telephone or in person, there is no way the exhibit would have enjoyed the warm reception it received everywhere. Their commitment to succeed in reaching the goals of the exhibit was one of our biggest assets.
The five steps outlined in the first section of this report seem to have worked well. If other communities are visited by future tours, the same procedure should be followed. More time should be allocated to prepare for the sites. A few extra days would make it possible to contact more groups and to complete more research on issues of particular interest to the community.
At various locations we experimented by inviting members of parliament, judges, and crown attorneys to visit the exhibit. The results of these invitations were astounding. Four members of parliament were invited; all but one responded by either visiting the exhibit or by inviting us to their office. Crown attorneys gave us the same enthusiastic reaction. Other groups
that were notified of the exhibit's presence include mayors, town councillors, provincial MLAs, and service clubs. Again, the importance of a personalized invitation must be
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stressed. The federal bureaucracy does not have a favourable image with a lot of people. If a form letter is sent to the mayor, or the president of a local service club, they may not be inclined to visit the exhibit. On the other hand, their reaction could be quite different if someone contacts them personally to explain that visiting and promoting the exhibit to their constituants will contribute toward the prevention of crime, for example.
. When possible, all contacts made from the Consultation
Centre/Atlantic (letter and/or telephone) were reconfirmed by the exhibit staff members once they arrived in town. This practice, although time consuming, pays off in the long run.
ii. Evaluation of Each Site Visited
A TOTAL OF 18 SITES WERE VISITED DURING THE SUMMER OF 1987.
A report evaluating the success of each of the sites visited has been prepared by Susan Hour. This report will be presented under separate cover.
iii. Types of Sites Visited and Suggested Alternate Sites.
Four very different types of sites were visited during the summer. Each site presents distinct advantages and disadvantages to the Criminal Justice Exhibit.
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SHOPPING CENTERS
The majority of our engagements this summer were in shopping centres. There are two major advantages to setting up the
Criminal Justice Exhibit in a mall, namely, a large quantity of people pass by, and the space is free.
The exhibit was never refused space in a shopping centre.
The administration of the malls visited were always very cooperative and supportive.
Thousands of people saw the exhibit this summer in shopping centres. A much smaller group probably remembers seeing us and an even smaller group actually stopped to visit the exhibit. The public exposure received in a shopping centre must be weighed against the quality of the interaction staff members have with the public. We have serious doubts about the effectiveness of setting up in malls. In past years, it seemed fashionable for government exhibitors to have displays in malls, however, the public seems to be getting used to these types of exhibits. When shopping with their children, many adults do not have the time nor the patience to stop and chat with someone at an exhibit. By involving related groups and organizations, we have managed to compensate for some of these disadvantages. Of all the kinds of sites visited, malls remain the least conducive to providing a personal service to the public.
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CONFERENCES
The Criminal Justice Exhibit was invited to participate at four conferences. It is at conferences that we have had the highest ratio of utilization. Delegates are attending a conference because of their interest in the issue being discussed. By selecting relevant information, a very high percentage of conference participants will visit the exhibit and request further information.
The majority of requests for more information came from the conferences. The efforts to present relevant information paid off. At one conference, the exhibit staff members could not even unload the boxes without being pressured by delegates for more information. Delegates were very excited by the quality of information available to them. Programs Branch User Reports were the most popular item at the exhibit. Approximately 100 copies of these reports were distributed.
FESTIVALS
The exhibit attended two festivals this summer. These sites were treated as all the others, in terms of establishing contacts with related organizations and the media. Festivals give the exhibit maximum exposure. Despite the crowds, a large number of people did visit the exhibit. The exhibit, however, has to compete for attention with all the other exhibitors and attractions present at the festival.
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Festivals require a longer time commitment since most
contracts for space rental last for the duration of the festival. A fee is usually associated with the rental of the space.
One of the greatest advantages of setting up at a festival is that the exhibit is not usually open for as many hours as when set up in a mall. This provides time for the exhibit staff members to establish contacts with different groups in the area.
It also gives staff members the opportunity to get a feeling for a community and to better understand its needs.
SPECIAL EVENTS An air show in Greenwood, Nova Scotia was the only special event attended by the Criminal Justice Exhibit over the summer.
This event was a success, as hundreds of people passed by the exhibit. The exhibit was only in town for one day, therefore, it was impossible to establish good contacts or obtain a practical
understanding of the issues in that area.
OTHER TYPES OF SITES
The Criminal Justice Exhibit has not yet realized its full potential. Overall, the work done this summer was very positive.
The three students hired to work on the exhibit, however,
maintain a firm belief that there is a lot that can be done to improve the types of sites selected for the exhibit.
The Consultation Centre has developed a system where all
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justice related organizations and the media are reached before the exhibit visits a site. These contacts were always established with very little time to spare. By spending more time in each site, and by spending more time contacting various groups, we could also do a more thorough job of educating the public on the criminal justice system. As more time is spent distributing the right information to client groups, our impact will be much more significant.
' There are many other types of sites that could be visited.
The exhibit can be installed anywhere there is an electrical outlet. By limiting ourselves to the three types of sites mentioned above, we also limit the encounters people will have with the exhibit. Other types of sites could include municipal libraries, community centers, senior citizens homes, and schools (on special occasions, i.e. career days, or during registration on the campus of universities). A visit to these sites may not generate as much public exposure as a mall, but if a complete analysis of the site is conducted before the visit, the results will be far superior than those attained in shopping centers. iv. Media
As outlined in a previous section of this report, our contacts with the media have been very positive. Unfortunately, a cohesive media strategy was not established before the tour began. The next time an exhibit tour is conducted, these
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arrangements should be made prior to the exhibit's departure from Moncton.
Arrangements could include the development of a press release and press kits. A press release should be made for each individual site, with the dates and locations changing accordingly. If the exhibit is to focus on specific issues in each community, these should also be reflected in the press kits.
Louis Cormier, who has previously worked with the media, and who takes a personal interest in these matters, would be a good resource person to set up some sort of system to work with the media.
v. Evaluation Of Response To Enquiries For More Information
A TOTAL OF 91 REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WERE RECEIVED AS A RESULT OF THE EXHIBIT.
The majority of enquiries received for more information concerned the areas of child abuse, sexual abuse, and family violence. A record of these enquiries and where they came from was kept and is presented in appendix "B".
At first, we were slow in responding to the enquiries from the public because no system was in place to send the information out in an organized fashion. There was also a large number of User Reports that had to be ordered from Ottawa. As the summer progressed, a simple system to answer these enquiries was developed.
.../29 - 29 -
All Programs Branch User Reports are now stored in one section of the office. This makes it much easier to respond to any requests. When an information request was answered, the information sheet on the National Victims Resource Centre and a list of Ministry Secretariat publications was also enclosed. Unless there was a problem in fulfilling the request, no formal letters were enclosed. A card stating "with the compliments of the Consultation Centre" and our address was enclosed. This system seemed adequate for the summer. Due to time constraints, it was impossible to answer many requests before contacts for most sites were established. Additional preparation prior to the beginning of any future tours will result in substantially shorter response times for information requests.
vi. Evaluation Of Types Of Information Distributed
Since the general public is not very knowledgable about the justice system, it is important to have simple, easy to understand information. It is also important to have materials available for the more serious reader. Generally, the materials distributed to the public at the exhibit maintained this balance. It is always important to remember that many people are not in the habit of reading complicated information. In a shopping centre, where people from all walks of life visit the exhibit, simple information is essential.
The variety of information on hand enabled us to provide
.../30 - 30 -
people interested in finding out more about the justice system with a choice of materials. This good variety should always be available to the public.
The pamphlets and brochures contributed by related organizations also made a significant contribution to the exhibit.
vii. Evaluation Of Experiments With Audio Visual Aids We experimented with slide and video presentations four times
during the summer. The sites for these experiments were in Sydney and Yarmouth Nova Scotia, and Cornerbrook and St. John's, Newfoundland. The slides provided us with a selection of the different types of locations the exhibit visited this summer; shopping centres, conferences, and festivals.
The experiments with audio visual equipment can be
considered a success. The videos and slides served as "attention getters". Many people stopped to.watch the video or slides and then play with the computer, or ask for more information. These
are people who otherwise would not have visited the exhibit,
Not only do videos add a whole new dimension to the exhibit, they can also serve to complement and supplement the information
contained in the computer, or on the information table. The screening of videos would be a valuable addition to the Criminal Justice Exhibit. A decision whether or not to screen
videos would have to be made at each site.
.../31 - 31 -
If a video unit is added to the exhibit certain factors should be kept in mind. Short videos of less than 15 minutes are better than longer ones. We cannot expect people to stand in a mall for more than this amount of time. The purpose of the videos are to attract people to the exhibit. The video, however, should not interfere with people who want to ask questions or play with the computer. A normal television would be optimal.
.../32 - 32 -
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Future Tours The Criminal Justice Exhibit should continue touring Atlantic
Canada. Interest in the exhibit manifested this summer clearly justifies the continuation of the project. Our experience has shown that the public is generally not very knowlegable of the justice system, but is eager to learn. When we contacted dozens of organizations and requested their assistance this summer, they responded favourably. In return, we gave them Mr. Stote's business card and the address of this office. Now that many new groups have benefited from the exhibit, and have seen what a valuable education tool it is, we can expect requests for it from throughout the region.
2. Advance Preparation More advance preparation work should be done before the exhibit visits a site. The model developed this summer should be expanded upon. Specific clientele could be served by the . exhibit. If we can determine what their needs are, we can give the precise information required to develop their knowledge of the criminal justice system.
.../33 - 33 -
3. Length of Visits
More time should be spent at each site.
4. Media
A comprehensive media strategy should be developed. This strategy should include the use of press kits and public service announcements.
5. Audio Visual Equipment
Audio visual equipment should be added to the exhibit and a video on the justice system should be available for viewing. Appendix A.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT SUMMER 1987
List of contacts in each community visited by the Exhibit.
New Glasgow - May 21 - 23 Location: New Glasgow Stadium Event: Pictou County Police Fair RCMP: Cst. Paul Calder 755-4141
Tearman House: Karen O'Hara 752-1633
Help Line: Jane MacArthy 752-5959
Pictou County Crisis Interveners: Cathy MacKay North Shore Drug Dependency: Donald MacDonald Director 485-4335
Adult Probation: Cameron McDougall Norman Lord 752-3273
Children's Aid Society Judd Link Cyril Ready 755-5950
Family Court Mike Hawick 755-6520
Family Services Sister Marian 752-7562
Pictou Mental Health Bernie MacDougall' 755-1137
Pictou Co. Women's Centre Benardette MacDonald 755-4647 -2-
New Glasgow Town Hall 752-1941
Bathurst May 27 - 29 Location: Atlantic Host Inn Event: Les Enfants de l'Avenir- Conférence Foyer LeRameur Yvette Bourque 783-4275
CFB Greenwood May 31 Location: Air Base Event: Armed Forces Day RCMP Kingston Cst. Chassé 765-3317
Town Hall 765-2800 Adult Probaton Cindy MacKinnon-North 678-9242
Dept. of Social Services: Cheryl Phillips 678-6176 Henry Bourgeois 678-6141
Block Parent Program David Acker 765-8334 Major Doug Calder 765-3399
Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Commission: Mr. H. M. Anderson 765-3983
Family Support Centre (CFB Greenwood) Fred Jillingworth RCMP New Minas Cst. B. Butt 678-3213
Parolé Office David Cail 678-1684 - 3 —
Crown Prosecutor Jack Buntain Daryl Cormickie 678-4142
Saint John, N. B. June 1 - 4 Location: Delta St. John Event: National Symposium on Family Violence
Murial McQueen Fergusson Foundation: Shauna MacKenzie President
Windsor, N.S. June 10 - 11 Location: Fort Edward Mall RCMP Cst. Gary Latour Cst. Al. McKay
Social Services Lubin Bourque 798-8319
Family Children Services Neil Kennedy 798-5707
Hants Correctional Centre A. A. Richardson Crystalis House, Kentville Betty Russell 582-7955
Single Parents Yvonne Mills 798-4946
Big Brothers Susan Haines 798-4462 Alcohol and Drug Dependency Commission Keith Mathinson 798-8351
Adult Probation Terry Moore 678-4020 4
Correctional Services David Kaill 678-1684
Truro, N. S. June 12 - 13
Location: Truro Mall RCMP George Youster 895-1526
Municipal Police Cheif Murray 895-5351
Neighbourhood Work Activity Program - Bill Spencer 895-2837
Children's Aid Society Madelaine Taylor 893-9307 Adult Probation Mike Flarerty 893-9307
Correctional Services Nelson McKinnon 893-3120
Helpline 893-3333 Truro Transition House Graham Johnson 893-7226
. Roy & Girls Club Debbie Brown 895-5008
YMCA Vince Roberts 895-2871
Social Services Harvey MacArthur
N.S. School For Girls Bill MacLeod Young Offenders Program Sue Giffen 893-4969
Sydney, N.S. June 15-16 Location MayFlower Mall RCMP Sydney Cst. Daily Cst. Jim Forsey 564-7171 5
Municipal Police Sgt. E. McLeod 564-4415 Island Alternative Measures Society Kenne MacDonald 562-5222 Cape Breton Transition House Bea McGrath 539-2945 Ann Terry Outreach Project Barb Tryon 539-0404 Cape Breton Crime Stoppers Mike McMullin 564-7171 YOA Open Custody Program Anne Shears 564-0032 Howard House Marjorie Peck Unison/Elizabeth Fry• Society Claudine MacDonald 539-6165 John Howard Society Diane Lewis 562-6341
Young Offenders Program Walter MacMillam Social Services 539-7600
Adult Probation Calvin Boutilier 564-0700
N.S. Crime Prevention Committee Frank Starzomski Correctional Service of Canada John MacDougall College of Cape Breton Father Ora McManus New Dawn Project Rankin McSween
N.S. Criminology and Corrections Association Bill McLeod MM.
Corner Brook, Nfld. June 19-20
Location Valley Mall RCMP Cst. Barry Dunn
RNC Sgt. Gordon Crawley Adult Probation Larry Connors Frank Wheeler 637-2479
Corner Brook Lock Up Cpt. P. Grouchy 634-5627 John Howard Society Gerald Andrews 639-7481
Grand Falls, Nfld. June 23-25 Location: Exploits Valley Mall RCMP Cst. Ray Oliver 489-2121
Central Youth Focus Diversion Janet Gillam 489-6600
Parole Officer John McPherson 489-5124
Chamber of Commerce John Moore Probation Officer Otto Clark 292-4291
Pine Hights Group Home Lorenzo Ried 489-9080
Bishop Falls Correctional Centre Robert Holmes 466-3101
YMCA Dawn Whitt 489-7361
Youth Court Beverly Dicks 292-4270 Gander Nfld. June 26-27 Location Gander Mall RCMP Cst. Bruce McLellan 256-4026
N.B. Other contacts for Gander were made from Nfld. by Louis Cormier.
Harbour Grace, Nfld. June 30 - July 1 Location: Trinity Conseption Square RCMP Cst. Dave Gosine 772-4311
Social Services Mr. I. J. Percy 596-5054 596-5057 Dept. of Justice Mary Cleary 576-5942 Alcohol and Drug Dependency Commission 596-3982 Crown Attorney John Babd 59677294 Adult Probation 596-5904 N.B. Other contacts for Harbour Grace were made from Newfoundland by Susan Bour.
St. John 'à Nfld. July 2-9 Location: Village Shopping Centre Atlantic Association of Chiefs of Police Conference - Hotel Newfoundland
RCMP Cpl. J. Ayris
RNC Sgt. Gary Browne 772-5111
Public Legal Education Peter Ringrose 722-2643 Transition House Cheryl Hebert 722-8272 Jane Way Children Hospital Street Proofing Program Joan Follett Pearl Hidgon 778-4604
Block Parents Edwina Whellan 364-6679 Parole Board Brent Devine 722-5359 Nfld. Corrections Marvin McNutt Mike Dunfy 576-3880
Charlottetown, •.E.I.• Juiy 16-17 Location Confederation Court Mali RCMP Chief Superintendent C.I.C. MacDonell Sergeant Hal Marshall 566-7144
Municipal Polce Chief C.A. Ready 894-5513 Resource Services Dept. of Justice Jill Lightwood 368-4583 Community Legal Information Association (CLIA) Beverly Stetson Mills 892-0853 Holland College Chet Campbell 566-9610 YMCA Terry Moore 566-3966 Probation and Family Court Services Phil Arbing 368-4563 Transition House Association Patty Seres 892-3790 - 9 -
Correctional Service Canada Brian Smith 566-7177 Crown Attorney Dick Hubley 368-4595 John Howard Society Association of Donna Hartley 566-5425
P.E.I. Advisory Council on the Status of Women Heather Oxford 894-8973
M.P. Hon. Tom McMillam. P.C. M.P. 892-8091
Summerside, P.E.I. July 20-24 Location Fair Grounds Event Summerside Lobster Carnival
Municipal Police Chief W.J.R. MacDonald 436-9222
East Prince Women's Centre Molly Bell 436-9856
M.P. George Henderson 436-7333
Edmonston, N.B. July 29-31.
Location: Carrefour l'Assopmtion Event: Foire Brayonne
R.C.M.P. Sgt. Buissiere 735-5581
Police Municipale Chef Réhal Fortin Sgt. Patrice Peltier 735-4754
Suret é Municipal'; St. Basil Chef Laurent Jalbert Cst. J.P. Albert 263-8059 - 10 -
Ministere de la Justice Jacques Charrette Robert Desjardins 739-9549 Patrouille Routiere Sgt. F. Castonguay 739-7371 Procureur:: de la Courone Maitre Jocelyne Morreau 735-8810 Shérif M. Lebrun 735-8818 Député l'Hon. Bernard Valcourt 739-7157 Centre Correctionel du Madawasksa Gaston Boutot Bunald Doiron M. Gaudet 739-7346
Yarmouth, •.S. August 3-8
Location: Fair Grounds Event: Western Nova Scotia Exhibition
R.C.M.P. Staff Sgt. D.A. Snow Cpl. Ackerson Cpl. Simmonds 742-9111 R.C.M.P. (county) Cpl. Larry Saunders 742-9106 Southwestern Alternative Measures Society Valerie Chisholm 742-8262 M.P. Gerald Comeau 742-2295 Mayor Marjorie MacEachern 742-2521 742-4191 Kentville Parole Office Alfred Boudreau 663-4381 678-1684 - 11 -
Regional Probation Office Willie Lewis 742-7784
Adult Probation Albert LeBlanc 742-3351
Family and Children's Services Doug Raymond 742-7871
Shelbourne Youth Centre Heikki Muinonen Terry Smith 875-3191
Children's Aid Society Ray Harris 637-2335
- 30 - Appendix B.
Subject Name Area Child Abuse Impaired Driving Cst. J.M. Chassé Kingston, N.S. Battered Women Helen Robb Moncton, N.B. Child Abuse Rose Spence Windsor, N.S. Child Abuse Family Violence Pamela Gosse Windsor, N.S. Wife Battering J. Sullivan Lantz, N.S. Sexual Abuse J. Ludlow Mount Pearl, Nfld. Young Offenders E. Greenspoon Corner Brook, Nfld. Young Offenders J.A. Dorley Mount Pearl, Nfld. : Young Offenders G. McGettgan Amhurst, Young Offenders M. Torraville Glenwood, Nfld. Child Abuse C. Saulnier Bathurst, N.B. Child Abuse Sexual Assault K. Martineau Corner Brook, Nfld. Secretariat publications list D. Hartley Charlottetown, P.E.I. Crisis Intervention Violence against women N. Doucet Petit Rocher, N.B. Family Violence Young Offenders Crisis Interventions L. Smith Wabush, Labr. Crisis Intervention Child Abuse K. Murphy Bathurst, N.B. Crisis Intervention D. Caines St. John, N.B. Crisis Intervention G. Dalzell St. John, N.B. Crisis Intervention B. Dickie Fai.rvail, N.B. Crisis Intervention Child Abuse J. Writes Fredericton, N .B. Crisis Intervention C. Saulnier Bathurst, N.B. Young Offenders G. Robichaud Shippegan, N.B Crisis Intervention M. Sweet St. John, N.B. Young Offenders F. Michaud Bathurst', N.B. Young Offenders A. Richard Shippegan, N.B Young Offenders Y. DeGrace Bathurst, N.B. Young Offenders Y. Tremblay Richibouctou, N.B. Young Offenders Pupil Evaluation Services Saint John, N.B. -2-
Young Offenders List of User Reports V. Lebel Atholville, N.B. Crisis Intervention Young Offenders S. Hickey Ottawa, Ont. Young Offenders Crisis Intervention Sexual Assault R. Mackenzie Rothesay, N.B. Young Offenders Sexual Assault L. Couturier Edmundston, N.B. Young Offenders Sexual Assault F.P. Carrier Edmundston, N.B. Drugs & Alcohol Cpt. Lorenz C.F.B.Greenwood, N.S. Drugs & Alcohol Y. Mills Falmouth, N.B. Child Abuse L. S. Ranger Tracadie, N.B. Diversion S. Abbey-Brisk Restigouche, N.B. Drug Abuse Young Offenders E. M. Osmond • Grand Falls, Nfld. — Drugs Young Offenders Probatition Office Grand Falls, Nfld. — Young Offenders User Reports D.W. Perry Falmouth, N. S. Corrections C. Flynn Kilbride, Nfld. Capital Punishment C. Butt Truro, N.S. Crime Statistics A. M. Sancheti Gander, Nfld. Sexual Assault Drug Abuse Alcohol Abuse Cobequid Child Abuse Educational Centre Truro, N.S. Wife Abuse Cumberland Trasition Violence Against Women House Amherst, N.S. Shoplifting Store Security L. A'Court Truro, N.S. Juvenile Justice Young Offenders N.B.Child Welfare Ass. Fredericton, N.B. Young Offenders Foyer le Rameur Petit Rocher, N.B. Young Offenders CSSGIM Bonaventure, P.Q. Young Offenders F. Sirois Edmundston, N.B. Subject Name Area
Women and Crime Family Enrichment Counselling Fredericton Battered Women Services Criminal Justice System Crisis Intervention Battered Women G. Crawshaw Fredericton, N. Battered Women J. Knowles Perth Andover, N.B.
Child Abuse Elizabeth Fry Society St. John, N.B. Women in Conflict with the Law. Battered Women S. Burtt Fredericton, N. Young Offenders R. Lemoignan Bathurst, N.B. Battered Women B. Horrobin St. John, N.B. Wife Assault Crossroads for Women Moncton, N.B. Crisis Intervention K. MacKay New Glasgow, N. Lia4son Crisis Intervention Community Services Bathurst, N.B. Armed Robbery T. Turness Quispansis, N.B Parole M. Wienenburger Halifax, N.S. Policing R. Ratelle Montreal, P.Q. Child Abuse N.S. Family ans Child Welfare Assn. Halifax, N.S. Prision Industries Prof. Doucette, U. de Moncton Moncton
Victims of Crime Pictou County Intervention Association Pictou
Sexual Abuse Family Services Sussex, N.B. Young Offenders - Attorney General Halifax, N.S. Parole Pictou, N.S. Publications list East Prince Women's Centre Summerside, PEI Appendix C. JULY 1987
CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXHIBIT
SCHEDULE SUMMER 1987
Moncton, N.B. May 11-15 Police Educators Conference Hotel Beaus6jour New Glasgow, N.S. May 21-23 Pictou County Police Exhibition New Glasgow Stadium
Bathurst, N.B. May 27-29 Conférence "Les Enfants de l'Avenir" - Atlantic Host Inn Greenwood, N.S. May 31 Armed Forces Day - C.F.B. Greenwood
Saint John, N.B. June 1-4 National Symposium on Family Violence - Delta Hotel Windsor, N.S. June 10-11 Fort Edward Mall
Truro, N.S. June 12-13 Truro Mall
Sydney, N.S. June 15-16 Mayflower Mall Corner Brook, Nfld. , June 19-20 Valley Mall
Grand Falls, Nfld. June 23-25 Exploits Valley Mall
Gander, Nfld. June 26-27 Gander Mall _
Harbour Grace, Nfld. June 30-July 1 Trinity Conception Square (Carbonear)
St. John's, Nfld. July 2-4 Village Shopping Centre July 6-9 Atlantic Association of Chiefs of Police Conference - Hotel Newfoundland
Charlottetown, P.E.I. July 16-17 Charlottetown Shopping Centre
Summerside, P.E.I. ' July 20-24 Summerside Lobster Festival
Edmundston, N. B. July 29-31 Foire Brayonne Carrefour de l'Assomption
Yarmouth, N. S. August 3-8 Western Nova Scotia Exhibition Commercial Building on - Exhibition Grounds
For more information please call: Marc Leger Consultation Centre/Atlantic (506) 857-6368 IIIII
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