Ottawa Police Services Board

March 24, 2014

Chief’s Verbal Report

 

Good evening,

 

Each month, I take this opportunity to highlight some great work by our members.

 

Tonight, I would like to give you a few more examples.

 

Tricia Boisvert Homicide

Since late January, our members have been working with Montreal police on the murder of Tricia BOISVERT.  The woman was found in the Pontiac region of Quebec.  PHILIP STEELE-MORIN was wanted in her death and evaded police for several weeks while at large in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.  Our Major Crime became the primary point of contact for the Montreal Police Service, as several leads and sightings were investigated. 

 

On the morning of March 10th, our surveillance team received information that STEELE-MORIN was in Ottawa.  A van was located which was believed to be carrying STEELE-MORIN as an occupant which ended up returning to Quebec.  The OPS continued its surveillance of STEELE-MORIN and, when safe to do so, a traffic stop was initiated in the Buckingham area.  STEELE-MORIN was arrested and turned over to Gatineau Police Officers.

 

Search Warrant Leads to Weapons Seizure 

Earlier this month, a man and his two associates were arrested for a drug offense after leaving a residence.  The investigation found that one individual had a record for firearms offences and had been charged in relation to a shooting.

A subsequent investigation and a search of the residence resulted in the seizure of:

·         a 5.56 mm semi-automatic assault rifle which the suspect was attempting to sell;

·         Drugs, and

·         $2,345.00 in Canadian currency were also seized. 

 

Traffic Enforcement Blitz in East End School Zones

The East Division Traffic Section in collaboration with neighbourhood, school resource, community police centre and traffic escort officers conducted a proactive traffic enforcement initiative targeting East Division school zones.  The initiative coincided with the back to school week following March break and 127 tickets were issued at 18 different school locations.

 

Award for Victim’s Crisis Unit

Earlier this month, I had the privilege to speak at the 25th Anniversary Gala of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa where our Victim’s Crisis Unit Team was recognized with the Service Provider Award.  The Gala recognizes individuals or community groups who through their work, have demonstrated recognition and respect for the diverse community of Ottawa and who support the belief that violence against women and children must be eliminated.  Leaving an abusive situation is one of the toughest things any victim has to face.  The VCU has an important role in assisting women and their families as they integrate into a new society, rebuild their lives free of violence and achieve their personal goals.  Congratulations to VCU Manager Donna Watson-Elliott and her team.

 

Tom Patrick, Public Heroes Award

I would also like to congratulate Tom Patrick on being awarded the “Public Heroes Award” by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute of Ottawa.  Tom was recognized for his outstanding service with exemplary accomplishments in ‘altruism’, ‘dedication’ and ‘contribution to multiculturalism’ through his long standing service as the Program Coordinator at the Ottawa Police Youth Centre (YIPI Program).  We’re very proud of his continued achievements.

 

Testing of CRC at Huntmar

Our Collision Reporting Centre project continues to move forward.  March 18 marked the soft launch of our initial testing of a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) at Huntmar Station.  We have designed a phased approach for this implementation that will help us identify and solve issues in a timely manner.  So far, the testing has shown the systems work well.  We are looking at full implementation at Huntmar later this year along with the Elgin Street and 10th Line stations.

 

Insp. Mike Maloney Shares His Story

 

Finally, I want to thank Insp. Mike Maloney who recently spoke publicly about his family story hoping to raise awareness of how violence against women affects an entire family.

Inspector Maloney speaks from the experience of his own mother.  I commend Insp. Maloney for sharing these personal details of his life to help others recognize the signs of abuse and for allowing others to see this part of our society that impacts the children involved in these difficult situations.  I also want to commend Ron Corbett of the Ottawa Sun for writing this beautiful story.  This is an issue I have made a priority for our Service and one we are committed to solving with our community partners.

 

Thank you.