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REPORT RAPPORT |
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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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22 March 2011 |
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TO/DEST:
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Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
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FROM/EXP:
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Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
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SUBJECT/OBJET:
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RESPONSE TO OUTSTANDING INQUIRY I-11-02: LIQUOR LICENCE ACT INSPECTORS
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At the Police Services Board meeting on 28 February 2011 Chair El-Chantiry asked for some anecdotal feedback concerning work done by the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) in concert with Inspectors from the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO). Chair El-Chantiry raised concerns about whether there are enough AGCO Inspectors operating in Ottawa, particularly in the downtown area. It was determined that District Inspector Kingham would liaise with the AGCO to gauge the relationship, review the type of work done jointly and discuss the number of AGCO Inspectors assigned to the Ottawa area.
The OPS works cooperatively with the AGCO frequently and on a variety of issues of overlapping concern and there is a good relationship between the AGCO and OPS, including frequent information sharing to facilitate investigative needs and expedite administrative processes. AGCO inspectors are frequently contacted by OPS officers to answer specific enforcement questions or provide information on problem establishments or engage in reactive investigations. The relationship is very good with AGCO officers frequently attending shift briefings where they provide training and assistance to front line police officers.
The majority of interaction between AGCO inspectors and the OPS occurs at the district level through the Neighborhood Officers and Foot Patrol Officers, and while Central Division has the largest concentration of licensed establishments and special events both East and West Divisions do have pockets of high density establishments and therefore also work frequently with AGCO inspectors. This interaction includes projects such as nuisance enforcement blitz’s (one in the spring, one in the summer and one in the fall) which usually include Fire, Bylaw and Health Units. Other joint operations occur when the OPS and AGCO work together on major incidents involving licensed establishments or when targeted enforcement occurs at known Risk Based Enforcement (RBE) establishments or problem bars.
Also, members of both the OPS and AGCO attend SEAT (Special Event Advisory Team) meetings in preparation for events, festivals and fairs. Finally, AGCO inspectors also join OPS officers to conduct impromptu bar checks.
Regarding the inquiry into the number of AGCO inspectors available to OPS, Inspector Kingham contacted O.P.P. S/Sgt. Chris Swift, who is the Manager of the AGCO. Also working with him and dedicated to AGCO activities for Ontario are one O.P.P. Sergeant and one O.P.P. Constable. S/Sgt. Swift confirmed that there are six AGCO Inspectors assigned to the Ottawa Valley, which roughly encompasses the area from Cornwall to Petawawa, and that four of the six are dedicated solely to the area policed by the OPS. The other two Inspectors can be called upon to assist in the OPS area as needed, such as during special events like Canada Day or any time extra resources are needed. Additionally, the OPP Sergeant and Constable can also be used to provide operational support if needed. S/Sgt Swift indicates that he has been the AGCO Manager since February 2009 and the number of inspectors (six for Ottawa Valley and four for Ottawa City) has been the same since that time.
CONSULTATION
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The OPS enjoys a highly cooperative relationship with the AGCO and its agents which benefits both when fulfilling their mandates. By working in partnership with the AGCO and including other resources as necessary the OPS provides valuable service to the community through targeted enforcement at known RBE establishments, responding to major incidents involving licensed establishments, annual nuisance enforcement blitz’s and during large annual events. The OPS has not received public input regarding staffing levels of AGCO inspectors in the Ottawa area and is therefore unable to comment on public perception in this regard, however the service currently provided by the AGCO from a policing perspective meets the needs of the organization.
(original signed by)
Vern White
Chief of Police
