Ottawa Police Services Board
April 22, 2013
Chief’s Verbal Report
Good evening.
Boston Tragedy
I’d like to begin by mentioning our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the senseless bombing in Boston last week, as well as their families. Sean Collier, 27, an MIT police officer was also killed.
Whenever our Service plans for a major event, for example the National Capital Race Weekend, we work closely with organizers to ensure the safety and security of participants and spectators. Immediately after the incident, our Special Events Advisory Team, in concert with City partners, reached out to the National Capital Marathon organizers to offer our ongoing support.
We are continuing to monitor the Boston investigation and are reviewing and assessing our security plans for Race Weekend and any other major events.
Police Week
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services has designated May 12-18, 2013, as Police Week in Ontario. This year’s theme, with a focus on social media, is “Walk the Digital Beat … A New Era in Engagement”.
As you know, we have been increasingly using social media as a part of our day-to-day business. It provides an important and direct link between the community and our Service, with an opportunity for ongoing communication and engagement. I even hosted my first tweet chat just two weeks ago.
I am looking forward to this year’s Police Week. Members of the Board and the public will be invited to join our Community Police Centre officers and their volunteers at a number of community events across the city to showcase our commitment to working together for a safer community.
Grease Thefts from Restaurants
I would like to now turn your attention to some good police work being done by some of our front line members in the last few weeks.
On April 9, just before 11 p.m., Constable Curtis Hebert noted a suspicious van behind a restaurant on Bank Street. He performed a traffic stop and identified the two occupants of the van as being responsible for a number of grease thefts in the south end of the city. The suspects were arrested, had their vehicle seized and were charged with three counts of theft and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. Montreal Police have been in contact with us to assist them with similar investigations in their jurisdiction.
Good Work by Constable Paul Cahill
On March 27, 2013, Constable Paul Cahill of our Central Traffic Enforcement Team initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Isabella St and Metcalfe Street. After talking to the driver of the vehicle and smelling the strong odor of marijuana, the driver was subsequently detained until K9 arrived on scene. The K9 officer was able to uncover 57 grams of cocaine ($5500 street value) and $1200.00 dollars leading to charges against the driver.
Constable Cahill was awarded a Senior Officers Commendation for a job well done.
Rideauwood Walkathon
The OPS is proud to be partnering again this year with Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services for their 13th Annual “Footsteps for Recovery” Walkathon, which raises funds to improve treatment for people with addiction and concurrent mental health issues. I will be one of the Walkathon participants, along with Inspector Don Sweet and Rideauwood Executive Director Paul Welsh. I hope you will join us in support of this worthy cause.
OPS Ethics Week
Our 2nd Annual Ethics Week will run from April 29 to May 1, 2013. The event will bring together a diverse group of practitioners and leaders from public safety organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders to discuss ethics and share knowledge and experience in promoting stronger organizational ethics. Our Ethics Program serves as a reminder for all members of the fundamental ethical values behind our various roles in the police profession of Honour, Courage and Service.
Flag and Banner Events
Through our Flag and Banner Program we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate Vaisakhi and unveil the Sikh flag at our Station.
These celebrations help our Service build relationships and also assist in promoting cultural and religious awareness within policing.
Ontario Police Memorial
On Sunday, May 5, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., police officers, families and friends will gather at the Ontario Police Memorial at Queen’s Park for the 14th Annual Ceremony of Remembrance. The Memorial honours sworn police officers who have died in the line of duty, and recognizes the tremendous sacrifice police officers and their families endure to keep our communities safe.
Thank you and I am happy to take any questions you may have.