section 117.07(2)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Section 117.07(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines public officer for the purposes of this section.

SECTION WORDING

117.07 (2) In this section, "public officer" means (a) a peace officer; (b) a member of the Canadian Forces or of the armed forces of a state other than Canada who is attached or seconded to any of the Canadian Forces; (c) an operator of a museum established by the Chief of the Defence Staff or a person employed in any such museum; (d) a member of a cadet organization under the control and supervision of the Canadian Forces; (e) a person training to become a police officer or a peace officer under the control and supervision of (i) a police force, or (ii) a police academy or similar institution designated by the Attorney General of Canada or the lieutenant governor in council of a province; (f) a member of a visiting force, within the meaning of section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who is authorized under paragraph 14(a) of that Act to possess and carry explosives, ammunition and firearms; (g) a person, or member of a class of persons, employed in the federal public administration or by the government of a province or municipality who is prescribed to be a public officer; or (h) the Commissioner of Firearms, the Registrar, a chief firearms officer, any firearms officer and any person designated under section 100 of the Firearms Act.

EXPLANATION

Section 117.07(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the definition of a "public officer" in the context of offenses related to intimidating, assaulting, or threatening public officers or their families. The section defines a public officer as a broad range of persons, including peace officers, members of the Canadian Forces, cadet organization members, and those employed in federal, provincial, or municipal government positions. This definition also includes persons training to become police or peace officers, as well as those authorized to carry explosives, ammunition, and firearms as part of a visiting force under the Visiting Forces Act. Notably, this section also extends to those designated under the Firearms Act, including the Commissioner of Firearms, Registrar, and various firearms officers. Overall, this section seeks to protect public officers from threats or violence related to their job, making it an offense to intimidate or assault such individuals. By providing a clear definition of who constitutes a public officer, the section aims to ensure that individuals are held accountable for threatening or violent behavior towards these officials and their families.

COMMENTARY

Section 117.07(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines the term public officer" for the purpose of Section 117.07, which deals with the offence of selling or transferring ammunition or firearms, etc., to an unauthorized person. The definition of public officer" under this section is broad and encompasses a wide range of individuals, including peace officers, members of the Canadian Forces or armed forces of other states attached or seconded to the Canadian Forces, museum operators or employees, cadet organization members, police or peace officer trainees, members of visiting forces authorized to carry explosives and firearms, federal or provincial government employees prescribed as public officers, and designated firearms officials. The term public officer" is critical to the effective operation of Section 117.07 and reflects the significant responsibility entrusted to those individuals who possess firearms and ammunition. This section is designed to prevent the transfer or sale of weapons to unauthorized individuals, thereby supporting the broader objectives of public safety. The inclusion of peace officers and military personnel as public officers recognizes the special position of these individuals in safeguarding Canada's national security and maintaining public order. Given their roles, it is essential that they maintain the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, which are necessary to ensure that firearms and ammunition are not misused or mishandled. The definition of public officer in Section 117.07(2)(e) includes individuals who are training to become police or peace officers under the supervision of a police force, academy, or similar institution. These individuals are still learning the norms and practices of the profession and have yet to undergo the rigorous screening and training required to become fully-fledged law enforcement personnel. As such, it is critical that their activities and handling of firearms be carefully monitored and regulated. The definition of public officer also encompasses members of visiting forces authorized to carry explosives and firearms under Section 117.07(2)(f). This recognizes that these individuals necessarily possess weapons as part of their mission and duties. However, it is essential that their activities remain subject to Canadian law and oversight. Finally, public officers under Section 117.07(2)(g) include employees of federal, provincial, or municipal government departments who are prescribed as such. This is essential to ensure that individuals who may not typically be associated with law enforcement or public order - such as inspectors or regulatory officials - are nonetheless held accountable for the appropriate handling of firearms and ammunition. In conclusion, Section 117.07(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada serves a crucial function in the regulation of firearms and ammunition transfers. The broad definition of public officer" recognized under this section reflects the significant responsibility entrusted to individuals who possess such weapons. By carefully delineating the criteria for determining who is considered a public officer, Canadian laws promote public safety, accountability, and responsible firearms handling.

STRATEGY

Section 117.07(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines who a public officer is, which is essential for those who deal with this section. Understanding the scope of the section requires knowledge of who a public officer is. Public officers are integral to ensuring the safety of communities, and it is important that officers respond appropriately and strategically when dealing with them. One strategic consideration when dealing with this section is the need for clear communication. Public officers may not always be recognizable as such, and it is important that officers know how to identify public officers in different contexts. For example, a member of a cadet organization may not be wearing a uniform, but they are still considered a public officer. Therefore, training officers to recognize and identify public officers can be critical in dealing with this section. Additionally, clear communication needs to be maintained across different teams and departments to ensure consistency in how public officers are dealt with. Another strategic consideration is the need for proactive risk assessment. Public officers may be involved in high-risk activities, such as those related to national security, and it is essential to assess potential risks associated with these activities. This includes understanding the location, nature, and scope of the activities in question. Therefore, assessing possible risks in advance can help to identify potential threats or vulnerabilities and implement adequate security measures to mitigate these risks. Another strategy that could be employed when dealing with this section is collaboration. Public officers may be spread across different organizations and may have varying levels of authority, which can create challenges when dealing with this section. Therefore, it is important to establish protocols for collaboration between these different organizations. For example, police forces may need to cooperate with the Canadian Forces or the federal public administration in situations that involve public officers. Effective collaboration can improve the effectiveness of the response and ensure that all relevant stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process. In conclusion, dealing with Section 117.07(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada requires a strategic approach. Some strategic considerations include clear communication, proactive risk assessment, and collaboration among different organizations. Overall, the key is to understand the scope of the section, identify the relevant public officers involved, and respond appropriately to ensure the safety and security of communities.