This thesis investigates the link between Serious Incident Response Teams (SIRTs) and public trust in police oversight mechanisms in Canada. Drawing on social control theory, it examines how transparency practices within SIRTs can foster a stronger social bond between the public and the justice system, ultimately enhancing trust and perceptions of legitimacy. The core research question revolves around whether SIRTs with a greater emphasis on community engagement and transparent communication practices demonstrably contribute to a more trusting public. Employing a qualitative methodology —literature review and comparative analysis of SIRT practices across provinces— the study explores how transparency strengthens the four key elements of a strong social bond: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. The research suggests that increased transparency fosters trust and connection with SIRTs, reinforces public belief in the legitimacy of law enforcement, encourages public participation in oversight, and strengthens public confidence in the fairness of the justice system. Conversely, a lack of transparency weakens the public's social bond with the justice system, potentially leading to decreased trust and legitimacy. While acknowledging limitations of social control theory in its focus on individual behavior, the thesis argues that the theory offers valuable insights for informing best practices in SIRT transparency.
