|
|
REPORT RAPPORT |
|
|
REPORT RAPPORT |
|
DATE: |
18 October 2011 |
|
TO/DEST: |
Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
|
FROM/EXP: |
Acting Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
|
SUBJECT/OBJET: |
REPORT ON S.I.U. INVESTIGATION
–
|
That the Ottawa
Police Services Board receives this report for information.
On May 11, 2009, an off duty officer observed a taxi vehicle driving erratically. The officer followed the vehicle and approached the driver of the taxi vehicle. An argument ensued which was followed by a physical confrontation. As a result, the driver of the taxi vehicle sustained a broken left wrist. SIU was contacted and invoked their mandate.
INVESTIGATION
Special Investigations Unit Investigation
The SIU’s finding resulted in a criminal charge
against the officer, in May 2009. In
November 2010, the officer was acquitted on the criminal matters.
Professional Standards Section Investigation
Pursuant to section 11 of Regulation 673/98 of the Police Services Act, an investigation was conducted by the Professional Standards Section to determine if the policies of, or services provided by, the Ottawa Police Service were adhered to at the time of this incident, and to determine if the conduct of the police officers was appropriate.
The results are as follows:
Conduct:
The officer was disciplined
for breaching the Code of Conduct.
Policies:
At the time of this incident there was nothing in Ottawa Police Service Policy that prevented an officer from investigating an incident in which he or she was directly involved.
The Ottawa Police Service Policy
8.10 “Traffic Stops and Vehicle Searches”
stated: Unless exigent circumstances exists, traffic
stops will normally be performed by a uniformed police officer in a marked
police vehicle.
The OPS believes that the standard for
professional, reliable policing prevents an officer from investigating a matter
in which they were involved, while off duty.
In June 2009, the
policy on traffic stops was reviewed to reflect this.
On June 15, 2009 the Ottawa
Police Service Policy 8.10 “Traffic Stops
and Vehicle Searches” was amended and now specifically addresses the issue
of officers investigating incidents they are involved in and ensures officers
remain ‘witnesses’ in off duty traffic incidents.
Service:
No service issues
were identified
No further action to be taken on this matter
(Original signed by)
Charles Bordeleau
Acting Chief of Police
