Ottawa Police Services Board

October 22, 2012

Chief’s Verbal Report

 

 

Good evening.

 

I have a short update for you this month to highlight some of the important and relevant activities the Ottawa Police Service has been involved in since our last meeting.

 

OPS Gala

This past Saturday night, I had the pleasure of joining several members of the Board and hundreds of OPS members, partners, and friends, at the third annual Ottawa Police Gala.  Collectively, we achieved our goal of raising $100,000 in support of the Youth Services Bureau.  Congratulations to D/C G. Larochelle, Supt. D. Delaney and Mr. M. Sangster, Co chairs of this successful event.  The event is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of policing in Ottawa, celebrate our members and to recognize the community.

 

Gang public forum and symposium

Members of the Board will also be aware of the gang symposium that was held last week by OPS, Crime Prevention Ottawa, the Youth Services Bureau, and Ottawa Community Housing.  This two-day event included a public forum and a leadership symposium.  The sessions allowed community members and stakeholders the chance to come together and propose Ottawa-made strategies to address gangs.

 

We received some great input, over 28 recommendations were put together by the forum participants and we expect a final report by the end of November 2012.

 

As well, the symposium identified community champions that will provide guidance and support – to the four partners – as we move forward and develop a community framework.

 

Thank you Mr. Mayor and Chair El-Chantiry for attending.

 

Be a Fan – Ontario Special Olympics

To thank police services for 25 years of support, Special Olympics is holding a nationwide celebration on October 25 to honour their #1 fans: members of law enforcement.

 

The relationship between police and Special Olympics will be recognized that day by the wearing of red shoe laces.  The OPS is encouraging all members working on October 25 to wear their laces in support of Special Olympics.

 

There will be a presentation and reception at City Hall at 10:45 a.m., where the Mayor, members of the law enforcement community, and Special Olympics, will recognize our collaboration.  All members of the Board are invited to attend.

 

I would like to end my update with two positive notes relating to recent occurrences in Ottawa.

 

Mr. S. McClelland

First, I would like to personally commend the brave actions of one of our civilian member, Mr. S. McClelland.  Earlier this month, a small plane crash occurred in the Ottawa River near the Cumberland Ferry.  Mr. McClelland, who was on vacation and fishing near Petrie Island at the time, witnessed the crash and immediately made his way over to assist.  He was able to help the pilot out of the plane, which was quickly sinking, and onto his boat.  He then took the pilot to shore and remained on scene until further help arrived.

 

Mr. McClelland’s quick actions and thinking saved a man’s life and make us proud.

 

Missing Elderly Male

Finally, I would like to mention a situation that occurred last week that shows how our partnerships work in the community at a front line level.

 

A senior who had recently moved to Ottawa to be closer to his son because of Alzheimer’s, went missing from a local manor along with his vehicle.  Our Missing Persons Section notified the taxi companies of the plate of the elderly man’s vehicle for broadcast. 

 

The next day, a dispatcher for Blue Line Taxi, Mr. S. Tompa, was heading home after his shift when he spotted the vehicle driving slowly around the Walkley Road area.  The dispatcher called this into police and continued to give dispatch a play-by-play until uniformed officers intercepted the vehicle.

 

Police officers were able to stop and assist the elderly man who said he was trying to get back to Toronto and was lost.  Officers were able to reunite him with his family.

 

9 Run Run

This past Saturday was the third annual 9 Run Run which Ms. E. Burnett, an OPS civilian member helps organize.  This run raises funds for “Do It for Darin” a Royal Ottawa charity.  I had the honour of handing Chair El-Chantiry his medal for his 10k run with a time of 1:16:11.  Congratulations to all.

 

Thank you and I am happy to take any questions you may have.