Chief’s Verbal Report

June 25^th, 2012

Ottawa Police Services Board

Good evening members of the Board,

I’d like to take some time to provide you with some information and updates on Ottawa Police Service initiatives, as well as current issues in our community that are of interest to this organization.

Mental Health Unit

Since its inception and through its partnerships, the Ottawa Police Service Mental Health Unit (MHU) has become a leader in dealing with mental health calls.  A new pilot project is set to begin July 3, which will see resident psychiatrists working up to three afternoon shifts weekly with a MHU officer in the downtown core.  This team of an MHU Officer and psychiatrist will take all calls related to mental health, including those involving Mental Health Act forms and apprehensions. This will allow the doctor to access all medical history on site, provide a quick assessment, and decide whether an apprehension is warranted or the person should be provided with appropriate follow up services at the scene.   This innovative approach in dealing with mental health calls is the first of its kind in Canada and something that we see as a huge benefit to people experiencing mental health issues. 

Social Media

As the Board may be aware, the Ottawa Police Service recently launched its official Ottawa Police Service Facebook and Twitter accounts. We’ve received great feedback and interest from the public and have been able to use these mediums to further our engagement with the community. We have been proactively responding to mentions of our Service, sending out information to the public, as well as using our accounts to connect with media. We will be continuing our work with social media and looking for ways to harness its many uses as a communication tool.

Crime Statistics

There is a report included in today’s agenda regarding crime statistics that show some positive trends in the City in 2011. However, there remain areas of concern in terms of crime that we are looking into, in particular, the unusually high presence of illegal guns in Ottawa.  During the last six months, we had 21 shootings. This concerns us and we are taking steps to strategize on how to effectively address the issue.  The safety of our community is paramount therefore, this issue will be a top priority for the OPS and we will ensure the Board is kept informed.

Project Firecracker

As members of the Board may have seen in media reports, earlier in June, the Ottawa Police Street Crime Unit completed a five month investigation, called Project Firecracker, in the ByWard Market and Downtown Rideau area targeting street level drug trafficking. During the course of this investigation a total of 108 persons (96 men and 12 women) ranging in age from 18-61 were identified, and resulted in 5 search warrants being executed at various residences in the Ottawa area.

This investigation was initiated to address community concerns and complaints received from residents and business in the downtown area. Half of the individuals arrested were engaged in drug trafficking to support their addiction while the others were simply dealing for profit.

Drugs remain an ongoing problem in our community and we know that enforcement, while important and necessary, is only one part of the solution. Often times, discussions around this topic are focused primarily on the negative realities of this issue, rather than the success stories that can emerge. One of our members recently had the opportunity to be a part of one of these success stories.  Special Constable Sue Kelly, attended the graduation of a participant in Drug Treatment Court who had successfully completed the entire program. Special Constable Kelly acted as a great ambassador for the Ottawa Police, congratulating the participant and also offering valuable words of encouragement to other participants in the program. Seeing as our Service recently became a corporate sponsor for the Rideauwood Addiction Center, her words of support and participation in this event served to further strengthen this partnership. 

Community Police Awards and Badge Ceremony

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012, Ottawa Police Service men and women were honoured at the 2012 Community/Police Awards Ceremony along with private citizens who work to keep our community safe. Chief Bordeleau and members of this Board presented officers and community members with commendations for a variety of achievements. As well, just last Thursday, the newest members of the Ottawa Police Service were presented with their wallet badges to formally welcome them to the Service. The latest group is made up of 25 officers: 6 women and 19 men.

Canada Day

We are currently working closely with our partners to prepare for a safe Canada Day.  We have developed a comprehensive operational plan that focuses on public and officer safety.  The OPS will continue to maintain communication with our partners up to, and including Canada day, in an effort ensure a safe celebration for all.

Constable K. Santos

It is with sadness that I inform the Board of the passing of Constable Karla Santos, a 10 year member of the Ottawa Police Service. Constable Santos began her career with the Ottawa Police Service in 2002 as a civilian in our criminal intelligence unit.  She was hired as a Constable in 2004 and most recently, she was a School Resource Officer.  Our thoughts are with her family, her husband Adam Collins, who is a Constable in our Patrol Directorate working out of Central, and her two young daughters.  Her funeral will be held on Wednesday in St. Stephen’s Church in Chelsea, Quebec.