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Ottawa Police Services Board
Minutes 43
Monday, 24 February 2014, 5:00 p.m.
Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
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Present: Councillor E. El-Chantiry (Chair), J. Durrell (Vice Chair),
Councillor J. Harder, L.A. Smallwood, C. Nicholson, Mayor J. Watson
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
That the Ottawa Police Services Board confirm the Minutes of the 27 January 2014 meeting.
CONFIRMED
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Chief Bordeleau reported on the following items (a copy of the Chief’s verbal report will be kept on file with the Board’s Executive Director and is available online at ottawapoliceboard.ca):
· Black History Month
· Community Builder Award
· Let’s Chat Traffic Stop Race Data Collection Project (TSRDCP) - February 6
· Service Command Centre
· Project Anarchy
· Cst. Steven Lewis
· Amazing People Gala
· Conducted Energy Weapon Consultation.
Conducted Energy Weapon Consultation
Chair El-Chantiry said that the Provincial and Federal Governments as well as the Ontario Ombudsman are currently reviewing matters related to Use of Force. He asked if the outcome of these discussions would be included in any future Board reports. Chief Bordeleau explained it is the Service’s practice to review any documentation that impacts the way services are delivered. The OPS is under the provincial authority of the Ministry of Community and Safety and Correctional Services and any changes to the guidelines will be mandated and applied to how training is delivered.
The Chief added that all OPS members are currently receiving four (4) hours of de-escalation training, which is over and above any training that Taser operators receive. The Provincial guidelines dictate an additional four (4) hours of training specific to de-escalation associated with the use of Tasers.
Chair El-Chantiry noted that his colleagues across the province are attempting to initiate discussions with the Ministry to provide additional funding to cover the costs of additional training. He asked the Chief how the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) is handling the additional costs. Chief Bordeleau responded that the initial request from the OACP was that additional funding be provided by the Ministry, specifically for training. The initial indication is that there is no additional funding, but the OACP will continue advocating.
Let’s Chat Traffic Stop Race Data Collection Project (TSRDCP) - February 6
Chair El-Chantiry expressed his thanks to everyone involved in this project for all their hard work and for giving up their evening to attend the session and work together with community members.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
2. PRESENTATION ON MENTAL HEALTH UNIT
Presentation
Deputy Chief J. Skinner said the purpose of the presentation was to highlight an outstanding program and the collaboration between the OPS and the Ottawa Hospital. The Deputy Chief introduced Ms. C. McFee, Acting Clinical Director of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital; Inspector I. Kingham, Investigative Support; and Staff Sergeant D. Reynolds, High Risk Offender Management Section. Insp. Kingham presided over the presentation. (A copy of the presentation will be kept on file with the Board’s Executive Director.)
Following the presentation these points of clarification were made:
- This program is very labour intensive and requires the cooperation of the hospital, psychiatric professionals, and other experts. In order to expand the program, which includes the Mobile Crisis Unit, additional resources will need to be found.
- The Mental Health Unit is a partnership led by the Ottawa Hospital. The Hospital has extended some funding, but unfortunately no more funding is available.
- This program forms part of the residency program at the University of Ottawa in which fourth-year psychiatric residents can choose to participate.
- The work being done in partnership with the Ottawa Hospital is about finding different ways of delivering services. The best resource, when mental health issues are suspect, is a medical professional who can determine whether or not the person in crisis requires medical attention or the police.
- The OPS Service Initiative is about leveraging and expanding current partnerships, such as this program, while seeking new ones so that the right service can be provided to an individual in need. The service would then be provided not necessarily by the police, but by the provider that is best suited.
- It is unknown how big this problem truly is. The perception is that a prevalent number of calls that the police attend involve individuals with mental health issues and this obliges the Service to give the issue due consideration.
- This very complex issue involves policing, public safety and the judicial system, and is not exclusive to Ottawa, other jurisdictions are dealing with this issue using the same model. The OPS will continue to assess the program and continue working to find the best solution for Ottawa.
- Good news stories such as this need to be brought to the community’s attention as they are making a very real difference.
Board members applauded the program and the working relationship that ensures the program’s success. Chair El-Chantiry thanked the Chief for the presentation and added there is a need for more updates on such service initiatives.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this presentation for information.
RECEIVED
3. PROVINCIAL ADEQUACY STANDARDS INSPECTION REPORT: OPS RESPONSE
Chief’s Report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
4. RE-APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL CONSTABLE – CARLETON UNIVERSITY
Chief’s Report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the re-appointment of Michael Warner as Special Constable pursuant to section 53 of the Police Services Act in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Approval of Appointment form.
CARRIED
5. RESPONSE TO OUTSTANDING INQUIRY I-14-01: SPECIAL CONSTABLES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES
Chief’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
6. 2013 – 2015 BUSINESS PLAN: SEMI-ANNUAL STATUS REPORT (JULY TO DECEMBER 2013)
Chief’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
7. COMPLIANCE WITH MINISTRY STANDARDS: 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Chief’s report
In response to a question from Chair El-Chantiry, Supt. T. Cheslock explained that each Ministry Standard is comprised of three components: Legislative, Policy and Practice. The Ministry inspection focused on the practice component; all of the OPS policies reviewed during the inspection were found to be compliant with the legislative requirements.
Supt. Cheslock further explained that during the policy review each Section was asked to review their own practices to ensure they were compliant with the legislative and policy requirements. As part of the control self assessment, these activities will now be completed with areas that are not part of the Ministry inspection. He added that the compliance check-list will become more robust in future.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
8. POSITIVE WORKPLACE: 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Executive Director’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
9. WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT REPORT – FOURTH QUARTER 2013
Chief’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
10. LEGAL SERVICES STATUS REPORT – 2013 FOURTH QUARTER
Board Solicitor’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
11. OUTSTANDING BOARD INQUIRIES & MOTIONS: FEBRUARY 2014
Executive Director’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
12. LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Chief’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
COMMUNICATIONS
a) USE OF FORCE GUIDELINES
- Letter dated 23 January 2014 from Chair H. D’Angela, Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board to Minister M. Meilleur, Community Safety and Correctional Services
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this communication for information.
RECEIVED
b) VICTIM SERVICES MODERNIZATION PROPOSAL
- Letter dated 10 February 2014 from Chair R. Anderson, Durham Regional Police Services Board to The Honourable J. Gerretsen, Minister of the Attorney General
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this communication for information.
RECEIVED
CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO MOVE IN CAMERA
Moved by L.A. Smallwood
That the Ottawa Police Services Board adjourn the public portion of its meeting to move In Camera to discuss confidential items pertaining to legal and personnel matters, in accordance with Section 35(4)(b) of the Police Services Act.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
original signed by original signed by
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W. Fedec E. El-Chantiry
Executive Director Chair