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REPORT RAPPORT |
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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE: |
07 February 2008 |
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TO: |
Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
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FROM: |
Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
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SUBJECT: |
RESPONSE TO INQUIRY I-07-05: COMPLAINTS REPORTS |
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
This report will address requests from members of the Police Services Board for changes to the complaints reports submitted by the Professional Standards Section. The following two requests were received:
On 20 September 2007 members of the Professional Standards Section met with Board Member Doran to discuss his request for a breakdown of the “improper conduct” category to better reflect the officer’s actions. During the meeting, it was agreed that the category would be broken down into six subfolders:
In October 2007, in consultation with the IT Section, it was determined that additional programming was required to allow the PSS database to track the six categories listed above. Due to workload and time constraints, IT identified 01 January 2008 as the implementation date for the new tracking categories.
On 14 January 2008 Mr. Vince Westwick and S/Sgt. Denis Cleroux of the Professional Standards Section met with Board Member El-Chantiry. At that time, the following explanation of the withdrawal process was provided to him.
When a Professional Standards Section investigator meets a complainant, he/she discusses with them various avenues to conclude the investigation, one of them being a withdrawal from the complaint process. Often, the investigator can resolve the issues by explaining police practices, policies and procedures that may alleviate the complainant’s concerns.
On other occasions, the complainant may only request the investigator communicate his/her concerns and issues to the subject officer. Subsequently, the complainant signs a withdrawal. In agreeing to accept this resolution, they are agreeing to withdraw from this process and are not necessarily admitting that the incident did not take place as they have described. The investigator will then meet with the subject officer for the purposes of a non-disciplinary discussion.
As many complaints fall within these two categories, withdrawals provide a prompt and effective resolution for both the complainant and the subject officer.
The complaint process also allows a complainant to withdraw from the process by way of mediation. The Voluntary Conflict Resolution Program (VCRP), with services provided through Carleton University’s Centre for Conflict Education and Research (CCER), allows the complainant and the subject officer to resolve the conflict face to face in a neutral, more relaxed setting. A satisfying resolution through the mediation process allows for the withdrawal from the complaint process, or an informal resolution, with or without follow-up required. The Voluntary Conflict Resolution Program is not offered for complaints of a serious nature or where a conduct or training issue requires significant intervention.
Not applicable.
The programming changes have been completed and as of 01 January 2008 the new sub-categories will be reflected in the quarterly reports.
Having reviewed the withdrawal of complaints, no requirement was identified to change or alter the process. Appropriate explanations were provided.
Vern White
Chief of Police
