Ottawa Police Services Board
November 26, 2012
Chief’s Verbal Report
Good evening.
I would like to update the Board on a few activities the Ottawa Police Service has been involved in since our last meeting.
Passing of Staff Sergeant Rob Greaves & RCMP Constable Adrian Oliver
Earlier this month, one of our members, Staff Sergeant Rob Greaves, sadly passed away, surrounded by family. A wake and funeral were held and served as a fitting tribute to his life, celebrating one of his greatest achievements – being a loving father.
He will be missed by many. I know that the OPS family will continue to be there for his children and his lovely wife, our colleague, Lauren.
Tragically, another officer also lost his life this month. Fellow RCMP officer Cst. Adrian Oliver was killed in a car accident in Surrey, British Columbia, when his unmarked cruiser collided with a transport truck.
I’d like to observe a moment of silence in honour of these two individuals.
Release of Gang Symposium ‘Recommendations Report’
Earlier today, the Recommendations Report resulting from our Public Forum and Leadership Symposium “Taking Action Together: Addressing Gangs in Our City”, was released to media and members of the public.
The report highlights priorities to address gangs in Ottawa, outlines guiding principles, and identifies immediate next steps to be taken by the Ottawa Police Service and our partners, Crime Prevention Ottawa and the Youth Services Bureau.
Using the recommendations in this report, we, in conjunction with the co-hosts of the symposium― Crime Prevention Ottawa, the Youth Services Bureau, and Ottawa Community Housing ― will also be looking to develop a sustainable, long term approach to improving the way we take action to address gangs in our city.
The report is available on ottawapolice.ca. It was also released to members of the Board earlier today.
Order of Ottawa
Also this month, the inaugural Order of Ottawa investiture ceremony took place, indicting 15 citizens of Ottawa.
As a member of the Selection Committee, I was able to see first-hand the outstanding contributions being made by community members to our City in a variety of fields.
I’d like to congratulate all of the recipients of the Order of Ottawa, as well as extend special congratulations to recipient and Vice Chair Jim Durrell.
Distraction Thefts
Since July, the OPS has investigated over 60 distraction thefts throughout Ottawa involving jewellery and debit and credit cards.
In response to this emerging trend, our District Investigative Sections recently hosted an information sharing session regarding these types of thefts.
The session featured speakers from the Greater Toronto Area, experienced in investigating distraction thefts. It was attended by over 30 members of OPS, and law enforcement partners from eastern Ontario and Quebec, including the RCMP, OPP, Montreal and Laval.
White Ribbons
Finally, I’d like to bring the Board’s attention to the white ribbons on your desk.
The ribbons are in recognition of the 2012 International White Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women, which runs from November 25 to December 6, 2012.
As Chief, I have made the issue of violence against women a priority. I feel this awareness campaign sends an important message to society that this type of violence is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.
I ask that members of the Board wear their white ribbon in support of ending violence against women.
Movember – Prostate Cancer Month
Finally, Deputy Chiefs Larochelle and Keeley and myself have been getting stares because of the mustaches we are growing for “Movember”, a campaign to raise vital funds for the fight against prostate cancer. I’d like to acknowledge Constable R. McEachran who is leading a team of 45 OPS members in support “Movember” and raised $10,000 to date. Nationally, police services have raised over $200,000 for the campaign.
Thank you and I am happy to take any questions you may have.