Policy Number:                       Policy Subject:
CR-10                            PUBLIC REWARDS
LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE / AUTHORITY	Police Services Act section 31(1)(c)
DATE APPROVED	22 September 2008
DATE AMENDED DATE REVIEWED	October 2010
DATE TO BE REVIEWED	2013
REPORTING REQUIREMENT	Annual reporting as set out in Section 4 of policy

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE / AUTHORITY

Under Section 31(1)(c) of the Police Services Act the Board is responsible for the provision of adequate and effective police services in the municipality and shall establish policies for the effective management of the police force. 

BOARD POLICY

1.   INTRODUCTION

It is the policy of the Ottawa Police Services Board to support the Ottawa Police Service in preventing and solving crime, including the pursuit and apprehension of offenders, through the offer and payment of rewards when deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police. 

This policy provides direction to the Chief of Police with regard to the public offering and payment of rewards to persons who provide information that assists in solving a specific, significant crime or crimes, including the location or return of missing persons or property.  It does not apply to policies already in place within the Police Service with regard to Paid Informants. 

2.   POLICY

       The Chief of Police shall ensure there is an internal procedure in place that sets out rules to be followed with regard to the offering of rewards when it is believed it would lead to the conviction of any person guilty of an offence or lead to the location or return of a missing person or property.  The procedure shall include the following provisions:

2.1       The Chief of Police shall have delegated authority to approve rewards up to a limit of $100,000 provided that funds are available within the existing budget.  Rewards over $100,000 shall require the approval of the Board.

2.2       Upon receipt of a recommendation, the Chief of Police shall determine if the offering of a reward is appropriate in the circumstances. 

2.3 Offers of contributions to rewards from third parties shall not be accepted.

2.4       The Chief of Police shall determine if any person or persons is/are entitled to all or any portion of any offered reward.

2.5       Members and employees, or immediate family of a member or employee, of the Ottawa Police Service, the Ottawa Police Services Board or any other law enforcement agency shall not be entitled to claim any reward monies.  The Chief of Police retains ultimate authority to decide, in his/her discretion, a person’s eligibility for the payment of any reward monies. 

2.6       The identity of any person claiming a reward shall not be disclosed publicly unless the Chief of Police approves the disclosure of this information or is obliged to release the information due to disclosure laws.

3.   MEASUREMENT METHODS

The Chief of Police or a designate shall ensure that the appropriate accounting and audit systems are in place to provide accountability and transparency with regard to reward funds deposited and/or disbursed.

4.   REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Chief of Police shall report to the Board annually on compliance with the provisions of this policy and on any rewards offered during the reporting period.