APPOINTMENT OF AUXILIARY POLICE MEMBERS

RECOMMENDATION

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the appointment of Mike Adams, Matthew Cook, Kofi Ilboudo, Jessica Johnson, Tyler Macdonald and Kevin Andrew Oreto as Auxiliary Police Officers with the Ottawa Police Service pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Police Services Act, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Approval and Appointment form.

BACKGROUND

In September 2008, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) embarked on a pilot project to develop an Auxiliary Policing Unit, with the first members being sworn-in at a Board meeting in May 2009.

In 2012, the Board was advised of a review of the program that found the Auxillary Policing Unit was a successful project within the OPS and would continue. The members of the unit have been professional in their performance and have been a useful addition to the service delivery model.

At the time, the Board was advised the OPS was conducting a recruitment drive for new members of the unit to increase its complement.

Auxiliary Police designations are authorized by the Board and approved by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services pursuant to section 52(1) of the Police Services Act.

DISCUSSION

Under section 52(4) of the Police Services Act, an auxiliary member has the authority of a police officer only in very narrow circumstances. Two requirements must be met. First, the auxiliary member must be “accompanied or supervised by a police officer.” Second, the chief of police must have authorized the auxiliary member to perform police duties as per section 52(5).

The Auxiliary Program is a volunteer program intended to enhance community-based policing by providing an opportunity for citizens to participate and volunteer with law enforcement on an organized basis. Auxiliary Police volunteers have and continue to provide a complementary service to the sworn officers by assisting officers of the Service while under supervision.

The OPS has recruited 4 new members from the Ottawa community. This recruitment will increase the units complement to 13 members.

Each member brings with them unique skills and experiences. All members have undergone a fitness test and in addition, all applicants had a psychological examination and background investigation to determine all recruiting requirements were met.

Auxiliary members are currently in their beginning stages of orientation and are receiving training commencing on April 19, 2014 on subjects such as:

Crime Prevention Programs;
Police and Civilian Powers of Arrest
Patrol as directed with an officer (eg. marine patrol, foot patrol);
Community Policing functions when directed;
Other routine non-police officer duties as assigned.

As per Section 52(6) of the Police Services Act, auxiliary members of the police service shall, before entering on duties of his or her office, take oaths of affirmations of office and secrecy in the prescribed forms.

Confirmation is also being requested again for two existing Auxiliary members Jessica Johnson and Matthew Cook who were previously sworn into the program.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Auxiliary members do not receive monetary compensation for time spent on training or employment. As with regular volunteers, the use of Auxiliary members can be cost effective and beneficial. Initial costs for the training and outfitting of auxiliary personnel are approximately $ 2344.00 per person.

CONCLUSION

The OPS recognizes the value of establishing a reserve of trained persons to assist the police in emergencies, times of crisis or special circumstances. In addition, an auxiliary police component ensures adequate and effective policing in Ottawa, and allows for enhanced community-based policing by providing assistance and support to police officers.

(Original signed by)

Charles Bordeleau

Chief of Police

Attach. (1)

Responsible for Report: Deputy Chief J. Skinner