Chief’s Verbal – 28 March 2011
Review of Cellblock Operations: Update #4
a) Investigative Update
On March 15, 2011, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) advised us that it has completed its investigation, which began November 19, 2010, involving Ms. Stacey Bonds in the cellblock at Ottawa Police Headquarters. Sgt. Steven Desjourdy is facing one charge under the Criminal Code of Canada. We have now referred this file to the Ontario Provincial Police for investigation. The purpose of this investigation is to review conduct, as well as policies or services provided by our organization, without infringing on the ongoing SIU investigation and court case. I cannot make any further public comments on this case in light of the fact that this matter is now before the court. This has been a difficult situation for everyone and I can only trust that the judicial system will run its course in a fair way.
Last week, the OPP also advised us that they completed their investigation into the other five cellblock incidents, and concluded that no criminal charges should be laid. The OPP determined that there were four cases where no misconduct was identified; whereas in one case, a finding of misconduct was found.
After reviewing the investigative reports, I had no hesitation in accepting the findings of their independent review, and the OPP should be commended for conducting these investigations in such a thorough and professional way.
Last week, we addressed the case where misconduct was identified by the OPP through our internal disciplinary process, as this matter relates to the actions of two civilian members.
b) Communication
We continue to invest significant time and energy in communicating about the ways in which the Ottawa Police Service is responding to issues related to Cellblock operations.
Following the SIU’s announcement, we issued a news release to confirm that Sgt. Desjourdy had been charged with a criminal offence relation to the Stacy Bonds case. As is our common practice, OPS employees were advised prior to the distribution of the news release.
On Friday morning, we distributed an internal message, video and Cellblock Fact Sheet to advise employees of our response to Ontario Provincial Police investigations into five cellblock incidents. Shortly thereafter, the Cellblock Fact Sheet and a news release was widely disseminated and posted to our website.
I also conducted several one-on-one interviews with local media in order to communicate my appreciation for the professionalism and competence of the OPP in conducting these investigations and to confirm my acceptance of their findings.
Receiving the OPP reports represents an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to address the issues that surfaced last November. We would also take the opportunity to remind the community of the significant changes we’ve made to cellblock operations (see attached Cellblock Fact Sheet).
We must not lose sight of the fact that staff in the Central Cellblock process about 11,000 prisoners a year, often under very challenging circumstances. The enhancements that have been put in place will help our Service to ensure that every person processed through the cellblock is safe, secure and treated with dignity.
We will continue to grant access to the cellblock for accredited media as part of our ongoing commitment to openness and transparency. Quite frankly, opening our doors to reporters and Board members provides an excellent opportunity to convey the unique challenges of working in the cellblock as well as the many enhancements that have been made in recent months.
In my view, it serves the interests of both our employees and the public when local media provide accurate reporting on the activities of the police service.
I am also meeting regularly with groups of employees to update them on these issues and to reiterate my steadfast confidence in their ability to serve the people of this community.
c) Cell Block Review
Presidia consulting have completed Phase 1 of their mandate, and are currently completing focus groups and interviews with staff and involved agencies on past, present, and future improvements of cellblock procedures.
Effective March 10, 2011, a Cellblock Review Project commenced. Debbie Erfle-Storie is the Project Manager who will be soliciting information and assistance from the employees of Court Security and Temporary Custody as well as other sections in the organization. She will be reporting to the Support Services Superintendent. The Project will entail a workload analysis on various positions in Court Security/Temporary Custody/Court Liaison including Special Constables Job Description, Hiring Practices of Special Constables as well as transfer practices for Sergeants and Special Constables in Central Cellblock.
Another verbal update to the Board on these matters will be forthcoming at the May meeting. There continues to be regular meetings of the Steering Committee.
Nemet Homicide
On Friday, 11 March 2011 at approx. 7:20 am, OPS patrol officers responded to a 911 call at 1564 Fisher Avenue. An occupant there, reported that a female was being attacked with a knife by am male. On arrival, officers observed Mihalj NEMET outside on the street and arrested him for murder as it was soon determined that the female 46 year old Tinde NEMET was deceased. OPS Major Crime Section assumed responsibility of the investigation. Autopsy revealed that Tinde NEMET had died as a result of multiple stab wounds. Her husband, Mihalj NEMET age 56, was charged with a single count of first degree murder. OPS Victim Crisis Unit committed strongly to providing much needed assistance to the two NEMET children who were at home at the time of the offence.
Ledoux Homicide
On Friday, 18 March 2011, at approx. 12:40 am., the Communications Section received a 911 call from a cellular phone. Officers were directed to a house party situated at 1339 Cousineau. Officers located an injured male, Scott LEDOUX, age 22, who was absent of vital signs. EMS attended and were unable to resuscitate the victim. Major Crime investigators undertook the investigation that followed.
Numerous witnesses, primarily those that had been attending the St. Patrick’s Day party at the residential apartment, were interviewed. The investigation determined that the tenant had a dispute with the victim which ultimately led to a physical confrontation within the apartment. During the altercation, the victim suffered a fatal stab wound. The tenant was not at the scene when Police arrived. Several hours later, aware he was actively being sought by Police, Taylor turned himself in to investigators at 474 Elgin. The Forensic Identification Unit spent several days processing and documenting the crime scene.
Benjamin TAYLOR (age 18) was charged with one count of second degree murder.
Project Lancaster:
Project Lancaster, a joint investigation with the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit as the lead agency, and strongly supported by the Ottawa Police Service recently wrapped up.
A total of 11 Warrants were issued (10 Warrants were executed in Ottawa and 1 in Notre Dame de la Salette in Quebec). Twelve individuals were arrested and 103 charges were laid including 32 charges of firearms trafficking. Throughout the course of this investigation 10 firearms were seized.
In addition to the firearms, a large amount of drugs, including marihuana and cocaine, were seized with a street level value of $89,800.00, as well as $16,940.00 in Canadian Currency.
Guns and Gangs / DART:
So far this year, the Guns and Gangs/DART Unit have seized 37 firearms (as of March 23, 2011). In comparison, 23 firearms were seized in all of 2010.
To date the Ottawa Police Service has responded to five shootings of which two have been identified as gang related. In 2010, OPS responded to 22 shootings where 12 were identified s gang related.
We have not seen a specific trend with respect to these so far this year, but continue to monitor for any trends that may develop.
Garon Homicide
On the 30th day of June 2007, Alban and Raymonde Garon, and their neighbor, Marie Claire Beniskos, were found murdered in their high-rise apartment located at 1002-1510 Riverside Dr., Ottawa. All of the victims were in their mid to late 70’s. Justice Alban Garon was the retired Chief Justice of the Tax Court of Canada.
Following the discovery of the victims, a Major Crime investigative team worked continuously to investigate every tip and lead related to this crime. On 24 June 2008, the offering of a $50,000 reward was authorized by the Ottawa Police Services Board. That reward coincided with a similar reward being offered by the Late Alban Garon Committee. The reward, during its early tenure, resulted in the receipt of 63 tips. To date, no arrest has been made in this matter and the reward is no longer generating any meaningful tips.
The investigative team has discussed the value of extending this reward at this time and it is not believed that doing so will add anything to the investigation. The Ottawa Police Services Board is not being asked to renew the reward offered in this matter. Should the situation change and a reward is believed to be an investigative tool to consider again, it will be made at that time.
Riopelle Homicide
Saturday March 26th at approximately 8:42 pm, Patrol responded to call of a sudden death at SWISS INN. Deceased female located in a guest with obvious signs of violence. Major Crime was notified and assumed command of the investigation.
Patrick DUNAC, age 34, has been charged with second degree murder in relation to the death of Jessica RIOPELLE, age 23 and appeared in court this morning.