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Ottawa Police Services Board
Minutes 12
Monday, 26 September 2011, 5:00 p.m.
Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
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Present: Councillor E. El-Chantiry (Chair), J. Harder, H. Jensen, C. Nicholson, J. Watson
Regrets: A. Doyle, J. Durrell (Vice-Chair)
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
Due to former member and Vice Chair J. MacEwen’s end of term, the Board conducted an election for Vice Chair for the remainder of 2011. Member Harder put forward a motion that Member Durrell be nominated to the position of Vice-Chair. Chair El-Chantiry stated he had received an email from Member Durrell, who was travelling out of country, expressing his interest in serving as Vice-Chair. The following motion was considered:
Moved by J. Harder
That the Ottawa Police Services Board appoint J. Durrell as Vice Chair of the Board for remainder of the year.
CARRIED
RATIFICATION OF DECISIONS MADE AT 25 JULY 2011 MEETING
Board Solicitor’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board ratify the decisions made at the meeting of 25 July 2011.
CARRIED
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
That the Ottawa Police Services Board confirm the Minutes of the 25 July 2011 meeting.
CARRIED
SPECIAL PRESENTATION - THE CELL BLOCK TODAY
Chair El-Chantiry explained that since December 2010, the Board had received monthly reports from Chief White on the review of operations in the cell block, and in June 2011 a final written report was received. He stated that the Board was now going to receive a presentation on how the cell block is operating today and the modifications that have been made under the direction of Chief White. Chief White expressed his thanks to Chair El-Chantiry and the Board for their attention to this matter.
Superintendent M. Flanagan, Support Services, gave a presentation (a copy of the presentation will be held on file with the Board Executive Director and is available online at ottawapoliceboard.ca) that provided an overview of the improvements in the cell block at Ottawa Police Headquarters, including enhanced audio and video taping capabilities, training, supervision and procedures.
Chair El-Chantiry asked for questions from the public and media. The following questions were entertained:
· Mr. Peter Mazereau, a Carleton University journalism student, asked when the installation of the audio equipment was finished and approximately how many times it had been used. Superintendent Flanagan explained that the system was finished in June and is activated every time a prisoner enters the cell block. Each time there is an intake, there is video and full audio of what transpires with the prisoners in the cell block.
· Ms. Stephanie Kinsella, CFRA reporter, asked about the panic strip and camera angle changes. Superintendent Flanagan explained that each cell has a camera that allows a visual into the cell. He stated that for privacy reasons the cells are monitored but not recorded. If there is a need through depression of the duress strip, or if the Sergeant in charge of the cell block believes there is a need for a particular cell to be recorded, then the recording would be activated. Ms. Kinsella asked if the cells could be recorded and then erased to protect privacy. Chief White explained that the public would not accept video being erased. It is up to the Sergeant in charge to begin the recording if the panic strip is hit or if he/she deems it necessary.
· Mr. Bryan Michaud, L’Express Ottawa, asked what requirements were in place to perform strip searches in the cell block. Superintendent Flanagan explained that there must be reasonable grounds to perform strip searches, such as confidential information that a person is concealing something within their clothing or foreign objects detected during a pat-down search.
There being no further questions, Chair El-Chantiry thanked Supt. Flanagan and Chief White for the excellent presentation and all the work that has gone into improving operations in the cell block.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this presentation for information.
RECEIVED
PUBLIC DELEGATIONS
a) Symposium at Saint Paul University – October 23 – 25, 2011
Presentation by Michelle Yu and Krista Schneider
Ms. Yu stated that their purpose in speaking to the Board was to invite members from the policing community to participate in a symposium about protesters and peace relations. Ms. Schneider explained that she is currently doing her M.A. at St. Paul’s University and was putting on a symposium that aims to advance the status quo of hostile interaction between protesters and police. She explained her reasoning behind the symposium was that this issue is a big conflict and both parties want to change the status quo. Ms. Schneider stated that she would like to invite the Ottawa Police to participate, speak or just observe. She added the symposium would be made up of academics, policy makers, a Member of Parliament and hopefully members of the Toronto Police and the RCMP. Additional participants would be a professor from the Royal Military College, and a professor from the United Kingdom’s Social Research Institute, who was a former police officer but is now the leading world expert on public order policing. She explained that the focus will be on creating solutions in a neutral environment. Ms. Schneider advised that she had brought posters and registration forms and also a book that the symposium was based on, Building a Mutual Respect Paradigm, by Vern Neufeld Redekop and Shirley Paré.
Chief White stated that Sgt. Peter Danyluk and other staff would be attending on behalf of the Ottawa Police Service. He added that he believes it is a worthwhile conference and thanked the speakers for the information.
Member Jensen asked if there was a registration fee for the symposium. Ms. Schneider explained that the registration fee was $300 for professional associations and a pay-what-you-can fee for social activists and students.
b) Civil Liberties Association
Presentation by Mr. David Burton
Mr. Burton stated that the Civil Liberties Association Board had met with Chief White and his Executive Officer Supt. Ed Keeley on August 29, 2011. He explained that it was an informal meeting and not related to any particular issue, but more of a meet-and-great type of discussion. The Civil Liberties Board believed it was a very productive meeting and that it is more productive to address problems and concerns in an informal manner, rather than in a confrontational manner through the legal system or news media. Mr. Burton referenced Item 9 on the agenda – the Annual Report on the Board’s Public Consultation Policy. He stated that he was happy to see that there was an annual report in compliance with the Board’s requirements. He was also happy to see that there would be a hard-copy handout drafted on community consultation in 2012. Mr. Burton explained that the Civil Liberties Association would like to see a formal process that would allow outside community interest groups to initiate public consultation with the Ottawa Police Service. He added that he assumed the Civil Liberties Association would have an opportunity to provide input into the drafting of the community consultation hand-out. Member El-Chantiry stated that Mr. Burton would be invited to future community meetings.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
1. CHIEF’S VERBAL REPORT
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 Manager of Labour Relations – Jennifer White;
· New Director of Information Technology – Lewis Cardin;
· Visit by Chief Superintendent Aart Garssenm District Commander, City of Nijmegen, Netherlands;
· Pharmacy Robberies;
· Retail Robberies;
· All Valuables Removed Campaign;
· South Australian Ministry & Police Delegation;
· Youth in Policing Initiative 2011;
· Peace Camp Ottawa;
· OPS Band Member – Andrew Hayes;
· Project Yardwork.
Parliament Hill Demonstration Arrests
Chief White referenced the demonstration on Parliament Hill that had taken place earlier in the day. He stated that 117 people were arrested and released after being charged by the RCMP and Ottawa Police Service. Chief White wished to congratulate both organizations for working towards a successful and peaceful demonstration with minor interruption within the City. In response to Chair El-Chantiry, Chief White stated there were a few hundred people at the demonstration and that overall it was very peaceful.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
2. YOUTH IN POLICING INITIATIVE (YIPI)
Constable Matt Hunt introduced himself and explained he was one of the coordinators of the YIPI Program in 2011. He stated this program was created in 2007 with seven youth involved. Since that point the program has grown, with over eighty youth placed in the Ottawa Police Service for summer employment this year. Constable Hunt noted the program had over 300 applicants for 2011. He explained the goal of the Provincially funded program was to have youth who see barriers to being successfully employed gain leadership and work experience so they can overcome those barriers and gain employment. It also benefited the Police Service to have youth work in the policing environment and become positive ambassadors within the community.
The 2011 program saw the youth engaged in crime prevention activities and placements in various sections of the Police Service. Each of the youth also received two high school co-op credits through Algonquin College for their summer employment. Constable Hunt noted the program received a $10,000 grant from Waste Management that assisted in leadership development and training for the youth. He stated one of the focuses of the program was assisting the youth to find employment after the program. Connections were made with the City of Ottawa’s Parks & Recreation Department, as well as other community agencies. Constable Hunt stated that five of the YIPI students had received employment throughout the school year. He added that with the grant from Waste Management, they were planning on holding a job fair in the spring to connect youth with a host of employers for next summer. Constable Hunt thanked Chief White for his ongoing leadership and his dedication to the YIPI program. He then presented a video which showcased highlights of the recent YIPI program and graduates.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this presentation for information.
RECEIVED
3. 2012 BUDGET DIRECTIONS AND TIMETABLE
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
Mayor Watson asked Chief White if the Provincial uploading money due to the City next year has been factored into the Police Services Budget and what that amount was. Chief White responded that the amount of $595,000 has been factored into the budget.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board:
1. Direct staff to prepare the 2012 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets in accordance with a 2.5% tax rate increase; and
2. Approve the 2012 Budget Review and Approval Timetable.
CARRIED
4. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD COMMITTEES
Executive Director’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the following appointments to Board and Ottawa Police Service committees for 2011 and 2012:
a) Complaints Committee – J. Harder, C. Nicholson, J. Watson
b) Finance and Audit Committee - J. Durrell, E. El-Chantiry, H. Jensen
c) Human Resources Committee – E. El-Chantiry, J. Harder, H. Jensen
d) Policy and Governance Committee – A. Doyle, J. Durrell, C. Nicholson
e) Thomas G. Flanagan Scholarship Award Committee – J. Harder
f) Police Scholarship and Charitable Fund – A. Doyle.
CARRIED
5. APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL CONSTABLE – RCMP
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the appointment of Larry Brookson as a Special Constable pursuant to Section 53 of the Police Services Act in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Approval of Appointment form.
CARRIED
6. RESPONSE TO OUTSTANDING MOTION M-10-01: OTTAWA POLICE FOUNDATION
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
7. RESPONSE TO OUTSTANDING INQUIRY I-11-04: STATUS REPORT - RACIAL PROFILING PROJECT
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
Member El-Chantiry stated that he had asked for this item. He thanked staff who worked on the report.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
8. RESPONSE TO COUNCILLOR INQUIRY: POLICE CHECK AVAILABILITY
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information and forward it to the City’s Information and Technology Sub-Committee.
RECEIVED
9. PUBLIC CONSULTATION POLICY ANNUAL REPORT
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
10. PERFORMANCE REPORT - SECOND QUARTER 2011
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
Member Harder explained she has been the Vice-Chair of the City’s Emergency Services Committee for six years. She noted that the response times in the report were for the entire city and asked if there would be value in breaking that down in different areas. Chief White responded that there was one response time because the city was in zones and had not been broken into different areas. He did not see a need to deviate from the response time format that is currently used.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
11. REPORT ON S.I.U. INVESTIGATION – INJURY DURING ARREST – 14 MAY 2011
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
12. REPORT ON S.I.U. INVESTIGATION – INJURY DURING ARREST – 26 MAY 2011
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
13. SENIOR OFFICERS’ ASSIGNMENT QUARTERLY UPDATE
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
14. OUTSTANDING BOARD INQUIRIES & MOTIONS: SEPTEMBER 2011
Executive Director’s report dated 14 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
15. LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Chief’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
16. NOTICE OF MOTION REGARDING ENACTMENT OF A NEW PROCEDURE BY-LAW (TO BE CONSIDERED AT 24 OCTOBER 2011 MEETING)
Executive Director’s report dated 20 September 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive and table this report for consideration at its 24 October 2011 meeting.
TABLED
COMMUNICATIONS
a) 700 MHZ BROADBAND
Letter dated 16 August 2011 from the Minister of Industry, Christian Paradis, in response to the Board’s letter dated 30 March 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this communication for information.
RECEIVED
b) YORK REGIONAL POLICE
Letter dated 25 July 2011 from the York Regional Police Service, in response to the Board’s letter dated 29 June 2011
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this communication for information.
RECEIVED
c) CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF POLICE SERVICES BOARDS
letter dated 28 July 2011 from the Canadian Association of Police Boards, acknowledging contribution made to the 22nd Annual Conference
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this communication for information.
RECEIVED
CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO MOVE IN CAMERA
Moved by J. Harder
That the Ottawa Police Services Board adjourn the public portion of its meeting to move In Camera to discuss confidential items pertaining to legal and personnel matters, in accordance with Section 35(4)(b) of the Police Services Act.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
____________________________ _____________________________
W. Fedec E. El-Chantiry
Executive Director Chair