Ottawa Police Services Board

 

Minutes 45

 

Monday, 28 April 2014, 5:00 p.m.

 

Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa

 

 

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 24 March 2014 meeting.

 

                                                                                                             CONFIRMED

 

CEREMONIAL ACTIVITIES / ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

a)     Introduction of Senior Officers’ Association New President

Chair El-Chantiry congratulated Inspector Mike Callaghan on being elected the new President of the Senior Officers’ Association.

 

 

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

 

1.         CHIEF’S VERBAL REPORT

 

 

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):

 

·         Mental Distress Call

·         Woman Rescued from the Rideau River

·         Suicidal Depressed Male

·         Gill Homicide

·         Lavertu Homicide

·         2014 Ethics Sessions

·         Health and Safety – Exposures to Biological or Chemical Agents

·         Joint Investigation

·         Ontario Police Memorial.

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

2.         NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA CRIME STOPPERS - SEMI-ANNUAL UPDATE

Presentation from R. McMullen, President, National Capital Area Crime Stoppers

 

 

Chair El-Chantiry thanked Mr. R. McMullen, President and Mr. W. Bissett, Past President for bringing the semi-annual update to the Board.  Mr. R. McMullen’s updated covered the following topics: (A copy of his submission will be kept on file with the Board’s Executive Director.):

·             Community Outreach

·             Partner and Media Updates

·             Financial Update

·             Youth Awareness Initiative

·             Looking Forward.

 

Member Harder congratulated Mr. McMullen for the report, which paints a brighter picture than his previous one.  She suggested that Crime Stoppers reach out to City Councillors for donations of gift baskets for their golf tournament auction. 

 

On behalf of the Board, Chair El-Chantiry thanked Mr. McMullen and his Board for their leadership in reviving Crime Stoppers over the past year.

 

Chief Bordeleau also acknowledged Cst. Wong and the work done with Crimes Stoppers.  As an example he noted that Crime Stoppers has led the OPS to arrest 7 people and clear 12 criminal cases resulting in 51 criminal charges, over $2,000 in stolen property being seized, and $95,000 of illegal drugs recovered.  The cost for the tips involved was $1,600.  He is very pleased to see the program has been rejuvenated. 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this presentation for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 


3.         CONDUCTED ENERGY WEAPON (CEW) DEPLOYMENT - POLICY AMENDMENT

Chief’s report

Presentation

 

 

Prior to the presentation, Chair El-Chantiry invited anyone from the public wishing to speak to this item to register with Board staff.

 

Chief Bordeleau stated that under Deputy Chief E. Keeley’s leadership, Supt. U. Jaswal was tasked with the work that has led up to this presentation.  Supt. Jaswal presented the following highlights of the Chief’s report (a copy of the presentation will be kept on file with the Board’s Executive Director)

·         Needs Assessment

·         Consultation and Incorporating Consultation Feedback

·         Training

·         Accountability

·         Improving Overall Police Response

·         Proposed Deployment Plan.

 

Chair El-Chantiry thanked staff for all their work, including attending many meetings with himself as well as meetings with the Board’s Policy & Governance Committee, and for making themselves available to Board members to respond to questions. 

 

Vice Chair Durrell commended Supt. Jaswal for all the work that has been done and for this report, which is vastly improved compared to the one he saw a few weeks ago.  He thanked staff for incorporating the input provided by Board members, and said he has every confidence that the Chief and OPS members will make the Board proud with this fundamental change.

 

Member Smallwood echoed the Vice Chair’s comments.  He stated he was initially not supportive of the idea of increasing the number of CEWs as he feared the increased deployment would lead to a reduction in the use of verbal de-escalation tactics.  This report has helped him to understand more thoroughly the role that CEWs play and the training and accountability that will come with the new robust requirements.  He wondered if more CEWs would lead to officers spending more time filling out forms, therefore incurring more cost.  He also commented on the requirement that paramedics attend at each deployment of a CEW and wondered who would incur this additional cost. 

 

Supt. Jaswal responded that on average CEWs are deployed 19 times a year so there has not been a lot of paperwork.  He believed the robust reporting is important from an accountability and public trust perspective, and will be a good investment for the OPS to understand how the weapons are being deployed and to identify any trends.  He believed it is prudent and in our best interests to require medical attention when a CEW is deployed, but noted many individuals choose not to have medical attention.

 

Responding to questions from Member Smallwood, Chief Bordeleau agreed the intent was to report back to the Board during the two year period to see if any adjustments are required.  Regarding body worn cameras, the Chief noted a number of police services in Canada are piloting this technology and the OPS will monitor developments.  However, the Service is not currently looking at using them due to privacy issues and the high costs involved with the equipment and technology.

 

In response to a request for clarification from Chair El-Chantiry, Supt. Jaswal commented on the following statement in the report:  “internal consultation showed that 59% of sworn member respondents had attended a call for service where they required a CEW and one was not readily available.”  He clarified that it was the member’s perception at the time that a CEW would have been useful on scene, even if it did not have to be deployed.  When a CEW is on scene its mere presence is sometimes enough to de-escalate the situation and having a CEW available does not necessarily mean that it will be used.  Ultimately, when a CEW is used it is expected that it be used appropriately, in accordance with the training guidelines and that the proper accountability is in place. 

 

As Chair of the Board’s Policy and Governance Committee, Member Nicholson wanted to congratulate the OPS, and in particular Supt. Jaswal, for the work done on this project.  This report contains a recommendation that reflects the Committee’s concerns, with strong reporting and training requirements. 

 

Chair El-Chantiry asked about negotiations with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services regarding the type of product to be used.  Supt Jaswal explained that as part of the revised guidelines the Ministry was to identify which CEWs would be endorsed provincially, however it has not yet been done; this is another reason for delaying the purchase of more CEWs until 2015.

 

Chair El-Chantiry commended everyone involved in this project for a job well done.  Chief Bordeleau added thanks to Director J. Steinbachs and K. Ferraro, who also worked on this report. 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve:

 

1.    The deployment of Conducted Energy Weapons to first class constables who meet the criteria specified in Board policy and in accordance with the two year plan described in this report.

 

2.    An amendment to the Board’s Use of Force Policy AI-012 to add a new section (c) (iii) as follows:

 

c)    The Chief of Police will:

iii)   be authorized to issue a conducted energy weapon to police officers who are:

•        Front line supervisors

•        Members of tactical/hostage rescue teams

• Members of preliminary perimeter control and containment teams

•  First class constables who are coach officers or who meet all of the following criteria:

1.    are recommended by their Platoon NCO

2.    have good overall work performance

3.    are assigned to areas or functions where front line ready access can be improved.

• An experienced officer on patrol with previous experience carrying a CEW and who meets criteria 1 through 3 above.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

 

4.         LIFECYCLE REPLACEMENT OF OTTAWA POLICE MOBILE AND PORTABLE RADIOS

Chief’s report

 

 

Commenting on the large amount of money required for this project, Mayor Watson asked if the Police Service ever talks to other police services when making big purchases to see if there would be any cost savings by buying together. 

 

Chief Bordeleau explained it was the City of Ottawa that decided to lease the new radio system in consultation with the City of Gatineau.  Insp. R. Lavigne, lead on this project, added that the consultation process included a multitude of cities owing radio systems.  The Federal Communications Commission of the United States commended the OPS for choosing the P25 Phase I standard, which is the public safety standard of choice in North America.  The OPS continues to partner with other cities and agencies (RCMP, OPP, City of Gatineau, etc.) to ensure the radio systems continue to communicate.

 

Chief Bordeleau confirmed the OPS will be able to communicate with other City departments, including Fire Services.  The only challenge will be with Paramedics who fall under the Ministry of Health and use a separate radio system.  There is a push for the Ministry to allow individual paramedic services to buy into their respective municipal system to permit first responders to communicate with each other.

 

Responding to Mayor Watson comments regarding bulk purchasing with other agencies, Chief Bordeleau explained that initiatives exist under the Ontario Police Cooperative Group, which allows the OPS to participate in bulk orders.  The radio systems are a bit more challenging because of the infrastructure associated with them.  The OPS always attempts to work in a cooperative manner to insure efforts are not duplicated. 

 

Chair El-Chantiry thanked Mr. P. Poirier, Chief Security & Emergency Management for the City of Ottawa and Insp. R. Lavigne for their diligent work on this project.

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve a delegation of authority to the Chief of Police to purchase Mobile and Portable Radios and associated equipments to a maximum upset limit of $7,177,271.00 (excluding HST) as outlined in this report.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

 

5.         SECONDMENT AGREEMENTS: DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

Chief’s report

 

 

Mayor Watson asked if all secondment costs incurred by the OPS are recovered.  Chief Bordeleau explained that the majority of secondments negotiated with other agencies are on a cost recovery basis.  Currently only a small number or resources are out on secondment.  In response to a question from the Mayor, the Chief said they have not received a request to date for assistance at the Toronto Pan Am games to be held in July 2015. 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve a delegation of authority to the Chief of Police to enter into and sign secondment agreements involving Ottawa Police Service members, subject to subsequent reporting to the Board on a quarterly basis.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

 

6.         APPOINTMENT OF AUXILIARY POLICE MEMBERS

Chief’s report

 

 

Mayor Watson said this is a great program and wondered how many applications had been received to fill these positions.  Supt. S. Nystedt did not have the statistics available and indicated he would forward that information to the Chair shortly (168 applications were received).  Auxiliary members are involved in many aspects of the community such as parades and community events, serving alongside police officers and assisting where they can within their mandate. 

 

There are tremendous opportunities for auxiliary members to assist police by relieving them of some of the more basic functions.  Chief Bordeleau added that through the Service Initiative this program is being seriously considered for expansion.

 

As a refresher, Chair El-Chantiry asked that a report be brought back to the Board on the Auxiliary Police Program, including the duties they perform.  Chief Bordeleau indicated this report could be included as part of the planned update on the Service Initiative, due to come forward at the May Board meeting. 

 

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.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

 

7.         APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL CONSTABLES

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Service Board approve:

 

1.     The new appointments of the following four (4) Ottawa Police Service civilian members:  Chris Bisaillon, Jamie Taylor Bazil Collins, Mitchell Allan James McDonald, and Chad Petepiece, as Special Constables 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.

 

2.     The new appointments of twenty four (24) Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) sworn members listed at Annex A as Special Constables 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

 

 


8.         ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF POLICE SERVICES BOARDS’ ANNUAL CONFERENCE: FUNDING REQUEST

Executive Director’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve a $1,000 sponsorship contribution to the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards’ 2014 Annual Conference being held in Toronto, Ontario on May 21 - 24, 2014.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

 

9.         CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF POLICE GOVERNANCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE: ATTENDANCE

Executive Director’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the attendance of Chair El-Chantiry, Member Smallwood and Executive Director Fedec at the 2014 Canadian Association of Police Governance Conference being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia from 21 – 23 August 2014.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

 

10.      TENURE PROGRAM: 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

11.      COMPLAINTS REPORT – PART V, POLICE SERVICES ACT –  2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 


12.      FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT: FIRST QUARTER 2014

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

13.      PERFORMANCE REPORT: FIRST QUARTER 2014

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

14.      WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT REPORT: FIRST QUARTER 2014

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board:

 

1.     Receive this report for information;

 

                                                                                              RECEIVED

 

2.     Approve the appointment of 12 new recruit sworn officers who successfully completed the required Ontario Police College training in Q1, in accordance with Section 31(1)(a) of the Police Services Act.

 

3.     Approve the appointment of six experienced sworn officers who were hired during Q1, in accordance with Section 31(1)(a) of the Police Services Act.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

 


15.      COMPLAINTS REPORT - PART V, POLICE SERVICES ACT – FIRST QUARTER 2014

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

16.      LEGAL SERVICES STATUS REPORT – FIRST QUARTER 2014

Board Solicitor’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

17.      BOARD MONITORING REQUIREMENTS STATUS REPORT: FIRST QUARTER 2014

Executive Director’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

18.      OUTSTANDING BOARD INQUIRIES & MOTIONS: APRIL 2014

Executive Director’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

19.      LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

Chief’s report

 

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report 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 6.05 p.m.

 

 

 

            original signed by                                      original signed by

____________________________           _____________________________

  W. Fedec                                                       E. El-Chantiry

  Executive Director                                       Chair