Verbal Report for OPSB Meeting

December 2016

Chief Charles Bordeleau

Good evening,

Homicides

I want to start off by thanking the investigators and all the officers involved in the investigation into the tragic deaths that occurred on Friday night.  Two sisters are dead and their brother is now charged in their deaths.  This is a difficult case.  We have seen too many just like it this year. The frequency and severity of these targeted acts of violence are troubling to all of us.  More and more, we are seeing that individuals are armed with either guns or knives and willing to use them.  We’re seeing a variety of issues in these murders.  Some are gang related but others have connections to drugs, mental health issues and family disputes.

So far, 16 of the 22 incidents have been solved and I have full confidence in the officers that we have on these cases.  We have also set up a task force of officers from Major Crime, Street Crime and Guns and Gangs to examine current and older homicides involving gangs.  Our investigators believe that several cases are connected.  We still need the public to report information about people who are armed so we can prevent future crimes from happening.

Al-Enzi Verdict

I also want to thank and congratulate the investigative team on an important conviction in the retrial of Nawaf Al-Enzi for the crime of first degree murder.  Many members have been involved in this case over the years.  

I specifically want to thank lead investigator Mike Hudson for his tireless work and commitment on this case.  Sgt. Hudson went so far as to delay his retirement so that he could remain on this case.

Abused Child

On November 21st, a man was found guilty of seriously abusing his young son.  While we are pleased with the verdict, this case has troubled the community and our officers.  Particularly difficult to hear was that the boy had contact with our Service in 2011 when he was reported missing by his family and discovered at a neighbour’s house.

It was 15 months later before our officers encountered the boy again in February 2013.  We understand the questions about this initial response.  We are asking the same questions ourselves. 

An initial review of the event has been conducted and we believe that, given the facts and information available during that initial contact, the case was investigated appropriately.  However, I have asked for a case review to help us determine what we can learn from this case.

Our officers are professional and they are caring.  We are here to assist victims.  Both in policy and practice we have no tolerance for crimes committed against children.  We all want to learn from this case.

Neighbourhood Officers (NHO) File

In late August, a man was seen by witnesses exposing himself and committing an indecent act in a park in Orleans.  Cst. Dan Tessier was assigned the case.  Working together with A/Sgt Karwaski’s NHO team they were able to identify the man.  The man was suspected in several others similar incidents.  He was arrested on November 30th and faces several charges.

The identification and follow up completed by Cst. Tessier was critical in ensuring public safety and preventing possible future offences.  This kind of determination in police work is what helps keep our community safe.  The Sexual Assault and Child Abuse section is currently investigating this case to determine any links to other incidents.  The man remains in custody.

Cell Block

On December 6^th. Cell Block Special Constables Jennifer Mucz, Glenmore Clark, Cameron Entwistle and Roger Hustins had custody of a female teenager for mischief.  As you are aware we have worked hard to update and improve our cellblock procedures.  This includes ensuring people in custody are checked on every 15 minutes.  Sometime after she was placed in a cell, the girl was heard choking.

All four Special Constables ran to her aid where she was found to be unresponsive.  It appeared she had something lodged in her throat.  Working together, they rendered the Heimlich maneuver and chest compressions until she began breathing again.  First aid was continued until Paramedics arrived and transported her to CHEO for further treatment.  It is believed that their actions saved her life. 

I commend all involved for their quick actions in this situation.

Human Rights Forum

On December 8^th, we hosted the second annual Human Rights Learning Forum, with keynote speaker Paul Dubé, Ontario’s Ombudsman.  Over 200 participants, including 45 of our own members participated.  I know that members of the board were there as well.  We all had the opportunity to become more educated and informed on the idea of cognitive biases.  The day was completed by lively table discussions with community members, service providers and many from the Ottawa Police Service coming together to discuss strategies on how to manage implicit biases.  

I want to thank Director David Snoddy and his Community Development and Diversity and Race Relations Teams for pulling this event together.

Cop Shop

The holidays came early for twenty-five exceptional young people who participated in our annual Cop Shop event on December 7th.  These boys and girls were selected with help from their schools for outstanding academics, achievements or doing good deeds in the community.  Each youth received a $200 gift card and spent the afternoon with their new police friends - shopping, eating pizza and of course, they got to meet Santa!

I want to thank all of our officers who participated in this event as well as Cst. Linda Nethercott who again organized this event.  It’s just one of many we participate in during the holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Finally, on behalf of the entire Service, I want to wish the member of the board a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.