Ottawa Police Services Board
September 24, 2012
Chief’s Verbal Report
Good evening and welcome back.
I’d like to update the Board on a few of the activities the Ottawa Police Service has been involved in over the last two months.
Suicide intervention
I would like to begin with some information about an incident several of our members were involved in that highlights both the complicated nature of today's policing duties and the split-second decision making we ask officers to make.
In early September, our Service was notified of a man who had left his residence and left behind a note threatening suicide. One of our officers, Constable Martin Corbeil, located the man in the east end and saw that he was in the process of attempting to hang himself.
The officer approached the man and was able to loosen one of the cords being used in the suicide attempt. However, this led to an altercation with the man who suddenly produced a knife and pointed it at the officer. Although he had already drawn his own sidearm, Cst. Corbeil was able to diffuse the situation and apprehend the individual under the Mental Health Act and bring him to the hospital.
This is just one example of the great work our officers do every day. I think this incident is a good indication of how the training undergone by our members is constantly put to the test in the field.
Collaboration efforts with the City
As you are aware, the Ottawa Police Service has been engaged in a process of identifying new and more efficient ways of doing business. Many of these activities have been under the umbrella of our Service Initiative.
I also wanted to inform the Board of other activities related to discussions we are having with the City of Ottawa. As part of our ongoing collaboration efforts, we are partnering on the Service Ottawa initiative, along with its emergency services integration projects. We have senior members assigned to each of the nine key project teams including: the facilities master plan, radio procurement, and tiered response.
Each of these areas represents opportunities for greater integration amongst the City’s community safety partners. In addition, we are forging ahead with our Service Initiative which you will hear more about in the coming weeks.
Student Outreach
The OPS was also involved in some activities related to welcoming students back to school.
During the first week of September, teams of officers, by-law inspectors, representatives from Action Sandy Hill and the University of Ottawa, and Councillor Mathieu Fleury's Office, visited areas with high student populations to bring them information about City by-laws and property standards. We followed this up with an enforcement operation focused on ensuring concerns about noise and open alcohol violations were addressed.
In the west end of our city, West NHO officers worked in collaboration with Algonquin College, Minto Security, By-Law Services, and OC Transpo, during “frosh” week to ensure a safe environment for students returning to class and to minimize the frequency and severity of disturbances on and around the Woodroffe campus. It was a very successful event.
Franco-Ontarian Flag Unfurling
I’m pleased to announce that tomorrow our Service, in collaboration with the Mayor’s office, will be commemorating the 37th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag during a ceremony at our Elgin station.
I look forward to seeing some of you there.
Eric Czapnik Street Naming
I would like to thank the Mayor and the city of Ottawa for the designation of Eric Czapnik Way earlier this month. It will serve as a constant reminder of Constable Czapnik’s service and sacrifice for this City and it means so much to his family and our members.
35th anniversary of the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service on Parliament Hill
Finally, it is important to mention that Sunday marks the 35th anniversary of the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service on Parliament Hill.
In 1978, the first Memorial Service was organized to mark the death of Ottawa Police Constable David Kirkwood. The first Memorial honoured 14 officers. Today, there are more than 810 names engraved on the Honour Roll, on Parliament Hill.
Our fellow Canadian police and peace officers are falling at an alarming rate; six to eight officers per year and this hits too close to home.
Ottawa Police has a total of 14 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty and the degree of their sacrifice should never be forgotten. It is important to honour all of them and ensure that the family members of those we are remembering are forever in our thoughts and prayers.