MINUTES

OTTAWA-CARLETON POLICE SERVICES BOARD

CITY OF VANIER

KIWANIS HALL

19 JUNE 2000, 7:00 P.M.

 

PRESENT

Chair: Councillor H. Kreling

Vice Chair: Mr. G. Baskerville

Members: Mr. D. Adam, Ms. E. Buckingham, Regional Chair B. Chiarelli, Mr. J. McCombie

REGRETS

Councillor J. Legendre

 

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

1. STAFF PRESENTATION ON POLICING SERVICES IN VANIER

As Chair Kreling was a few minutes late, Vice Chair Baskerville called the meeting to order and invited Mayor Cousineau to make some opening remarks.

Mayor Cousineau welcomed the Board and members of the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Service to the City of Vanier. Despite the fact that the current municipalities will no longer exist next year, he expressed his hope that the Board will continue its practice of holding community meetings in various communities throughout the Region. He noted the size of the Region sometimes makes it difficult for citizens to attend meetings at Regional Headquarters.

Vice Chair Baskerville thanked Mayor Murray for his welcoming remarks. He stated that although the Board’s membership will be different next year, he hoped the practice of holding community meetings will be continued. He noted meetings are scheduled for the remainder of the year.

Chief Bevan introduced Superintendent L. Smith and Inspector R. Lafortune and invited them to make the presentation.

Superintendent L. Smith, in charge of East Division, explained East Division incorporates seven districts as well as the Macdonald-Cartier Airport policing unit. Five District Inspectors share command responsibility for these districts.

Superintendent Smith indicated the delivery of policing services in the City of Vanier reflects the new district policing model implemented by the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Service. The implementation of the service delivery model requires an evolutionary approach over a broad time-frame and change based on maximizing effectiveness and efficiency while continuing to provide a quality service to the community.

Superintendent Smith listed the topics to be presented: a division and district overview; a discussion of the problem-solving initiatives undertaken in the community; an overview of some other activities taking place in the area; highlights of the Vanier survey results; a synopsis of the Partnership in Action initiative; and a question period.

Beginning with the division and district overview, Superintendent Smith listed key milestones: the integration of the Regional Police command which was completed in July 1999, and the operations and administrative structure which is an on-going endeavour; the smooth transition from OPP policing; and the roll-out of the new district level policing model. She noted there have been a number of key accomplishments and benefits from amalgamation. There are fewer senior managers, resulting in a re-allocation of officers to the front-line. From a public perspective, there has been a seamless change-over in delivery with one region-wide phone number to contact the police, a common shift schedule for all patrol officers, and the implementation of a centralized command. The amalgamation has also allowed for improved administrative operations with a centralized fleet, one pay system, fewer collective agreements, a single regional recruitment process, and a strengthened financial base due to a one-time amalgamation savings of over $5.4M and $6.2M in provincial down-loading and social contract exit costs.

Superintendent Smith explained the seven districts within the division are served by three facilities: the Blair Road facility serves districts 31, 36 and 35; the Leitrim facility serves districts 32, 33 and 34; and the seventh district reports out of the Elgin Street facility. District 35 incorporates the City of Vanier and various surrounding communities.

There are three components to the divisional/district set up: divisional support provides services related to patrol, traffic enforcement, differential police response, and criminal investigative services; divisional command supports the district inspector and incorporates the NCO’s, the supervisors, traffic enforcement officers, school resource officers, break and enter front-line investigators, general criminal investigations and patrol/emergency response officers who provide 24 hour / 7 day service; and the central support function includes the services of major crime investigators, youth services, the tactical team, crowd control, the canine squad, marine patrol, sexual assault/child abuse which incorporates domestic and partner assault, the underwater squad, the drugs squad, auto theft, generalized traffic services, a volunteer coordinator, victim services, and other specialized central support services that can be accessed by the districts.

Superintendent Smith introduced Inspector R. Lafortune, the inspector in charge of District 35, Staff Sergeant B. Ladouceur, Senior Constable A. Rozon and Senior Constable G. Savage. She also noted the presence of Constables S. Bell, M. Skof, B. Lalonde and W. Dario, all neighbourhood officers working within the district. Superintendent Smith invited members of the public to speak to these officers individually after the meeting.

Based on 1998 data from Statistics Canada, Superintendent Smith noted region-wide policing activity indicates crime indices are at their lowest level in 5 years per 100,000 population. In particular she noted property and violence offences are down 17% and 10% respectively, motor theft is down 12%, break and enters are down 25%, fraud is down 28%, and thefts are down 14%. She indicated this is a country-wide trend reported by Statistics Canada over the last five years.

She stated that in the City of Vanier, there were over 9,000 calls for service in 1999 with the top five calls being for: disturbances, which represented 960 calls; suspicious persons, for which the police received 425 calls; traffic stops, which accounted for 411 calls; alarms, which represented 375 calls; and residential Break and Enters, for which there were 370 calls.

Inspector R. Lafortune indicated neighbourhood officers, crime analysts and specialty units are involved in a number of high-profile and successful initiatives to deal with such problems as auto thefts, traffic complaints, residential and commercial Break and Enters, prostitution sweeps, and the identification and elimination of drug houses. He noted Vanier has long suffered the adverse effects of being known as one of the major strolls; both street prostitutes and potential clients congregate here in order to conduct their illegal business. The OCRPS has taken action by conducting prostitution sweeps. In particular: a four-day sweep in February, with one day dedicated to Vanier, resulted in the arrests of 4 prostitutes and 8 "johns"; in April, a two day initiatives resulted in the arrests of 9 prostitutes and 7 "johns"; and a three-day sweep in June resulted in the arrests of 4 prostitutes and 24 "johns".

Inspector Lafortune stated that to address complaints of speeding and traffic in bus-only lanes on Montreal Road, officers have increased traffic enforcement on Montreal Road between St. Laurent Boulevard and the Cummings Bridge, resulting in 256 charges being laid in a 3-week period in February. He indicated that in its efforts to address the problem of residential and commercial Break and Enters, the police are working with the community and media to report suspicious activity and "harden" targets. He noted surveillance initiatives have lead to the arrests of known habitual offenders and a number of arrests were made following "smash & grabs" from businesses on McArthur and Montreal Roads.

Inspector Lafortune highlighted a number of other activities occurring in District 35 such as: a "Youth on the Move" initiative; summer bicycle patrols; ongoing liaison with Maison des Jeunes; monthly meetings with the Coalition Anti-Drogues, attended by Constable Parent; regular traffic enforcement; monitoring of problem areas; a neighbourhood watch program, to be resurrected in 2000; and increased personal contact with the Vanier Business Community.

Inspector Lafortune indicated there is on-going community consultation, awareness-building and partnerships through frequent safety presentations/lectures in the community, home security checks, and liaison with the business community, residents’ groups, service clubs and other organizations.

After district re-deployment, the approach is to promote stability and continuity through on-going additional officer training, balancing skills and experience within the districts, retention of a core group and experience, and fine-tuning of district operations on an on-going basis.

Inspector Lafortune highlighted the Partnership in Action (PIA) initiatives. He noted 50 people participated in a roundtable which was held on 4 November 1999 and which resulted in the development of COMPAC and a Community Police Advisory Committee. A full-day PIA assembly took place on 27 November 1999. With over 300 people in attendance, it featured a keynote address and 24 workshops. Participants signed up for theme workshops that revolved around community policing, traffic, prostitution, hate crimes, youth and race relations. District 35 workshops dealt with the issues of volunteers and community involvement, police presence and visibility, positive approaches to youth, and the promotion of awareness and communications.

The next steps in the PIA initiative include the development of community workplans in all 15 districts, continued community consultation, the development of district networks and contacts, the development of "virtual community police centres" on www.ocpolice.com, and the publication of a PIA bulletin with community input.

Inspector Lafortune indicated the Vanier Police Centre Board of Directors, which performs a function similar to that of a policing advisory committee, is chaired by Mr. Grant Toole, a Vanier business man. It also includes members from the community and from municipal council. He noted the Vanier Police Centre has been earmarked for upgrades to bring it up to Regional standards. He stated community volunteers are an integral part of the OCRPS’s success.

Superintendent Smith presented the Vanier results of the 1998 survey, conducted as a follow-up to a 1995 poll. She explained the results are based on feedback from 115 of 453 randomly selected homes, representing a 25% response rate.

When asked whether they perceived that there was more or less crime in their neighbourhood, 16% of respondents believed there was less in their neighbourhood than in other areas of the Region while 43% believed there was more crime in their neighbourhood, 28% thought it was the same and 13% did not know. Of those surveyed, 87% felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhood during the day, but confidence dropped to 43% when asked whether they felt safe walking alone at night. The survey identified the top policing concerns in Vanier as being break and enters, vandalism, speeding, thefts from vehicles, thefts of vehicles, and thefts of bicycles.

Further survey results rated whether or not police were seen as doing a good job. She noted that 80.9% of respondents felt officers did a good job of being approachable, 75.7% felt the police do a good job of enforcing the law, 67.9% felt responses to calls were prompt, 50.4% believed the police do a good job of investigating crimes, 63.5% felt officers do a good job of preventing crime, 65.2% felt the police are good at providing information and 67.9% believed officers do a good job at keeping order.

When asked about their perception of the number of officers seen in their neighbourhood, almost 40% of respondents felt the number of officers was just right while just over 40% felt there are too few police officers seen in the neighbourhood. With regard to police performance, between 71% and 79% of respondents see police as being both courteous and competent.

In response to a two-part question with regard to changes in the quality of police service since amalgamation, 38% of respondents indicated no perceived difference, while 32% said they had noticed a change and 30% were unsure. Of the 32% who noted a difference, 22.5% felt the quality had deteriorated while 55% felt it had improved and 22.5% were unsure.

In closing, Superintendent Smith stated her firm belief that the direction of service delivery and the continued augmentation of the district policing model will encourage and further the development of strategic partnerships within communities, strengthen the ties of police to their communities, and continue to build a cooperative, responsive service sensitive to community needs.

That the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Services Board receive this presentation for information.

RECEIVED

 

2. PUBLIC DELEGATIONS

There were no public delegations.

 

3. DISTRICT 23 COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICE ***

- joint Commissioner, Planning & Development Approvals and Chief’s report dated 09 Jun 00

That the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Services Board authorize a lease with Commvesco Levinson-Viner Group Inc., In Trust for Ross & Wellington for 2009ft2 of ground floor space located at 1329 Wellington Street, City of Ottawa, for a Community Police Office, for five years from August 1, 2000 to July 31, 2005 at a cost of $51,229.50 per annum, plus GST and an initial up-front cost of $67,572.86 plus GST.

CARRIED

 

4. OCRPS 2000 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT ***

ACQUISITION (MOBILE REPEATERS FOR PATROL VEHICLES)

In response to a question from Vice Chair Baskerville, Chief Bevan indicated the areas in which problems have been experienced that make this equipment necessary are those in outlying parts of the Region, such as Constance Bay and Burritts’ Rapids.

That the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Services Board and Ottawa Transition Board provide approval to the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Service to proceed with the acquisition of thirty (30) mobile repeaters for patrol vehicles at a total cost of $61,824 including all applicable taxes.

CARRIED

 

5. AUTOMATION PILOT PROJECT FOR PAWN SHOP AND SECOND HAND STORE TRANSACTIONS

- Chief’s report dated 7 Jun 00

Vice Chair Baskerville requested an update on staff’s attempt to lobby the Provincial Government to enact legislation. He also inquired if the smaller businesses, which are not involved in the pilot project, will continue to submit written reports and whether those reports will have to be input by staff. He also asked whether there are other jurisdictions that may be interested in conducting this kind of pilot.

Detective T. Dovgalev indicated support was gained from all police services, boards and chiefs in Ontario and presented to the Government, who in turn recommended to the Crime Control Commission that they make this a priority for 2000. However, he noted it is difficult to know the exact status of that endeavour.

Detective Dovgalev noted there has been a great deal of interest shown by other jurisdictions. He indicated that in addition to making a presentation to the Crime Control Commission next week, he will also be making a presentation to police services who have expressed an interest in the initiative. The Toronto and the York Police Services are gearing up to conduct similar pilots with the same system. With respect to the smaller stores which will not be on-line, he explained the issue comes down to costs associated with acquiring the equipment and bringing in internet access. He stated the Service set a minimum limit of 500 transactions per year for participating stores, though he hoped the smaller stores will be able to participate in the future. Of the 33 stores with over 500 transactions per year, 17 have been hooked up, 12 are running smoothly and six more are waiting to be hooked up. Detective Dovgalev hoped to have 25 to 30 stores on-line by the end of the summer.

In response to a further question from Vice Chair Baskerville, Detective Dovgalev indicated that because the larger retailers have been targeted for the pilot, staff hope to capture well over 80% of all second-hand goods transactions. By the time the project is presented to the future City Council, staff hope to have statistics to demonstrate its effectiveness.

In response to a question from Member McCombie, Detective Dovgalev confirmed that under the by-law, it remains mandatory for stores to submit hard copy reports.

Member McCombie felt this is a great initiative and wondered if the OCRPS has a full-time analyst to process the data. Detective Dovgalev indicated an officer on accommodated duties is currently assisting with the data compilation and staff will be assessing what resources will be required to make the project work.

In response to comments from member McCombie with respect to the Service’s ability to handle the extra workload, Chief Bevan indicated the police have historically looked for a way to make data manageable and now, thanks to the efforts of Detective Dovgalev, the OCRPS is much further ahead on this project than it otherwise would be. He stressed the Service will find the resources to make it work.

Member Buckingham thought this is a very positive pilot and suggested that the quicker staff can get this information in electronic format, the quicker it can be analyzed. She noted the report was put forward for information and wondered why it did not require the Board’s approval.

Chair Kreling indicated the report was intended to updated the Board on the project and suggested it would be in order for the Board to endorse rather than receive the report.

That the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Services Board accept this report and authorize execution of the attached agreement.

CARRIED as amended

 

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

  

____________________________ _____________________________

W. Fedec H. Kreling

Executive Director Chair