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Ottawa Police Services Board
Minutes 10
Monday, 27 June 2011, 5:00 p.m.
Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
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Present: Councillor E. El-Chantiry (Chair), A. Doyle, Councillor J. Harder, H. Jensen, C. Nicholson, Mayor J. Watson
Regrets: J. MacEwen
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
That the Ottawa Police Services Board confirm the Minutes of the 30 May 2011 meeting.
CARRIED
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Chief White reported on the following items:
(A copy of the Chief’s verbal report will be kept on file with the Board’s Executive Director and is available online at ottawapoliceboard.ca.)
·New Pants with Red Stripe;
·Strategic Youth Specialist;
·“Carlington Restore”;
·Street Crime Unit;
·Intelligence;
·Robbery-Abduction: Guilty Plea;
·Major Crime;
·Guns & Gangs Unit;
·eComm 9-1-1 Campaign;
·Canada Day.
New Pants with Red Stripe
Member Harder asked if the Province had mandated this change and if so, did they provide any funding. Chief White explained that the transition is in accordance with Provincial Adequacy Standards and the transition will assist community members in distinguishing police from other services such as EMS, By-Law and private security companies. The cost of a new pair of pants is approximately $52. Director General Frazer added that the total cost of implementing this recommendation is approximately $230,000. The annual replacement budget for pants is approximately $130,000 to $150,000. With this implementation two additional pairs of pants per officer were added to the budget this year; allocations will return to normal in 2012.
“Carlington Restore”
Responding to comments from Member Harder, Chief White indicated they have seen a fairly healthy reduction in criminal behaviour and accompanying activity in the area. Constable A. Abdi has been a real driver behind the changes in this community. The Chief added that over the next couple of years there will be more success stories coming from the community, however, it is going to take a concerted effort and there is more to do than just policing.
Use of Force Training
Chair El-Chantiry thanked the Chief and staff for hosting Board members at a use of force training session. For the Board members that attended it was a very eye opening experience. He thanked Supt. S. Nystedt and his training staff for the experience.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
2. REVIEW OF CELLBLOCK OPERATIONS - FINAL REPORT
Chief’s report dated 24 June 2011
Member Jensen commended the Chief and staff for the work that has been done to address concerns surrounding the care and handling of people who go through the cellblock. He asked if there was a noticeable decline in the number of arrests being made as a result of the policy review and changes. Chief White responded that an analysis is currently underway and he anticipates it will show that the number of people arrested and detained for public intoxication year to date is approximately one half compared to previous years.
Member Jensen referred to the misconduct by two civilian OPS members and asked if the Chief could provide the nature of the discipline administered. Chief White explained that the nature of discipline for civilians is different than what is prescribed for officers under the Police Services Act. Due to legislative restrictions he was reluctant to describe specifically what the discipline was.
Referring to the case that went before Justice Lajoie, Member Jensen wanted to know if the Crown had presented any evidence about the procedures that are used to affect arrest. Chief White indicated that evidence in relation to the arrest and detention was presented by the Crown.
At Chair El-Chantiry’s request the Chief summarized the fundamental changes that have been implemented since the beginning of the review:
1) Reviewing who should be arrested and detained - the pressure on police organizations across the country to remove intoxicated individuals from the streets, who were either a danger to themselves or others, had moved a number of OPS officers to detain individuals who, based on case law, should not have been detained. Officers are now adhering to case law.
2) Challenge function within the cellblock – Sergeants have become very process driven, asking questions such as why someone was detained, under what legislative authority and why are they being held. The process is strictly controlled and it is vital that it is maintained.
3) Search procedures in relation to those who are detained – case law and standards set within the province dictate how certain searches are to be conducted, who is to be present and who is not to be present. OPS policies, direction and training now fit within case law and adequacy demands, while maintaining the dignity expected of those in cellblock care.
4) The technical segment surrounding cellblock audio/video capabilities has been enhanced and will now present a true picture of what is going on.
Member Doyle was impressed with the external resources that provided the recommendations included in the report. She asked for clarification on the recommendation about training referenced on Page 34, Item 4. Chief White explained that the OPS is a large organization and some areas have very different training requirements. Previously when one or two individuals were hired, in-house training would have been provided. Training for all staff will now be coordinated through and approved by the Professional Development Centre (PDC) rather than allow ad hoc training for any individuals. This adds a second level of accountability for OPS training standards.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
3. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Executive Director’s report dated 20 June 2011
Consultant’s report
Member Harder moved a technical amendment to the wording of the recommendation contained in the report; specifically, that recommendation 2 be amended to read, “Delegate authority to the Board’s Policy and Governance Committee to work in collaboration with the Executive Director”.
Moved by J. Harder
That the Ottawa Police Services Board amend Recommendation 2 to read: “Delegate authority to the Board’s Policy and Governance Committee to work in collaboration with the Executive Director to: …”
CARRIED
The Board then voted on the recommendation, as amended by the foregoing.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board:
1. Receive the attached Strategic Communications Plan prepared by Face Value Communications Inc.
2. Delegate authority to the Board’s Policy and Governance Committee to work in collaboration with the Executive Director to:
a. Implement the recommendations that are most likely to generate maximum results and that can be undertaken with existing financial and human resources;
b. Determine whether there are other components that should be implemented but that require additional resources;
c. Review the Board’s communications efforts in one year’s time.
CARRIED as amended
4. CITY OF OTTAWA CORPORATE PLANNING FRAMEWORK
Executive Director’s report dated 20 June 2011
Presentation
On behalf of the City of Ottawa, Ms. D. Gray, Director, Organizational Development and Performance Dept., presented the City’s Corporate Planning Framework process approved by Council on 25 May 2011, and how there may be opportunities to align the Board’s strategic priorities with it. Mr. Randy Mar, Director, Planning, Performance & Analytics presented on behalf of the Ottawa Police Service, covering the OPS business plan building foundation, and how they intend to link up to the City’s planning process. (A copy of the presentations will be kept on file with the Board’s Executive Director.)
Chair El-Chantiry wished to clarify that there was no need for this Board to submit its priorities to Council by July 2011, but to submit them before budget time. Ms. Gray concurred that the Board’s priorities should be submitted before the budget process.
Member Harder stated that the Ottawa Public Health and Library Boards are going to be making presentations to the City’s Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDCo) in July and she thought that the Police Board should not rule out making a presentation at the same time. She also suggested that the Board should change its Business Plan term to match the City’s, as she felt it would be strategically and financially beneficial. She added that the other boards are looking at partnership programs that they can provide to the public together, and are looking for similarities in service delivery models. The fact is that there are other standing committees that will be coming forward with ideas that will be put before councillors to ponder over the summer. Member Harder said she felt she had to make sure that the Police Board was aware of what was transpiring with other boards.
Chief White thanked the presenters for the information they provided. He believed this provides an opportunity for the OPS to highlight the work that is being done and how it fulfils some of the City’s goals and successes between now and 2014. The opportunity will accentuate some of the steps already being taken by the OPS.
Member Jensen agreed that everyone should be on the same timeline. The Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB) has advocated to the Provincial Government that they change the rules so that police services boards align their business plans with the 4-year plans for municipalities. Police services boards are currently legislated to prepare three year plans.
Member Watson stated all external agencies must recognize that the budget process will be starting very quickly and now is the time to start making the necessary decisions to bring each budget in line with City Council’s direction. The City received approximately $25 million in provincial uploads this year, with $3 million expected for 2012. The reality is that $3 million is not a lot of money. This is the first early warning signal that we need to work in a spirit of cooperation to meet the objectives that our tax payers are expecting us to fulfill. There is nothing worse than coming to the brink of a discussion and realizing that there is a massive hole in the budget. Collectively, Board members and City Councillors have an obligation to work cooperatively with our partners. He concurred with the idea of the Chief presenting to the City Committee on July 13th as other boards are doing, to lay down markers of where their plans are headed. Ultimately everything will feed into the process that the City Manager will present in the months ahead.
In summary, Chair El-Chanitry agreed that it would be beneficial for the police service to present on July 13.
Direction was given to the Chief to prepare a presentation on the Service’s proposed strategic priorities and related objectives for the July 13th City Committee meeting.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board:
1. Approve City Council’s request to develop strategic priorities for the Ottawa Police Service for the 2010-2014 term of Council.
2. Work with the Chief of Police to undertake this exercise, with the intention of reporting back to the Police Services Board and City Council within the timelines requested by Council.
CARRIED
5. ELGIN STREET FACILITY RE-ALIGNMENT PLAN - REQUEST FOR BUDGET TRANSFER AND DELEGATED AUTHORITY
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
Member Jensen questioned the high proportion of the construction cost being allocated to furniture. Director General Frazer explained that the term “furniture” relates to the requirements of the six areas of realignment that will occur in order to bring Elgin Street to the condition needed for the next five years. In some cases groups are being brought to Elgin Street and require complete fit out for furniture. As well, certain groups will be able to return to Elgin from facilities shared with the RCMP. The equipment and furnishings will also support computer related items as well. The OPS works to a corporate standard and purchases are made through a standing offer. When possible, stock furniture is used. In terms of the building alignment and building plan, this is the process that has been undertaken for the past 10 years.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board:
1. Approve a budget transfer in the amount of $2,000,000 to undertake renovation work at 474 Elgin Street.
2. Delegate authority to the Chief of Police to award and amend contracts and make payments in accordance with the Board’s Financial Accountability Procedures Manual in respect of this project.
CARRIED
6. 2011 CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF POLICE BOARDS’ ANNUAL CONFERENCE: REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP
Executive Director’s report dated 14 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve a sponsorship contribution of $1,000 to the Canadian Association of Police Boards (CAPB) for its 2011 Annual Conference being held in Regina, Saskatchewan from 17 - 20 August 2011.
CARRIED
7. ATTENDANCE AT the 2011 CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Executive Director’s report dated 14 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the attendance of H. Jensen and J. MacEwen at the 2011 Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference being held in Windsor, Ontario from 21 – 24 August 2011.
CARRIED
8. RE-APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL CONSTABLES – CARLETON UNIVERSITY
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the re-appointment of Marcel Benoit and Richard James Heron as Special Constables with Carleton University, pursuant to Section 53(3) of the Police Services Act, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Approval of Appointment form.
CARRIED
9. BUDGET PRESSURE – FUEL COSTS
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
Chair El-Chantiry thanked Chief White and staff for the innovative ideas contained in the report to deal with this budget pressure.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
10. POLICE FACILITIES – ADEQUACY STANDARDS STATUS REPORT
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
11. 2011 CULTURAL WINE & FOOD SHOW FUNDRAISING EVENT IN SUPPORT OF THE THOMAS G. FLANAGAN, S.C. SCHOLARSHIP
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
12. REPORT ON S.I.U. INVESTIGATION – SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION – AUGUST 2010
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
13. REPORT ON S.I.U. INVESTIGATION – INJURY DURING ARREST – SEPTEMBER 2010
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
14. SENIOR OFFICERS’ ASSIGNMENT QUARTERLY UPDATE
Chief’s report dated 21 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
15. OUTSTANDING BOARD INQUIRIES & MOTIONS: JUNE 2011
Executive Director’s report dated 25 May 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
16. LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Chief’s report dated 24 May 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO MOVE IN CAMERA
Moved by Member Doyle
That the Ottawa Police Services Board adjourn the public portion of its meeting to move In Camera to discuss confidential items pertaining to legal matters, in accordance with Section 35(4)(b) of the Police Services Act.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
____________________________ _____________________________
W. Fedec E. El-Chantiry
Executive Director Chair