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Mr. A. Cullen, Vice President, and Mr. R. Dorsay,
Director-at-large, Federation of Citizens’ Associations of Ottawa (FCA)
brought forward two budget recommendations for the Board’s consideration (A
copy of the presentation is kept on file with the Board’s Executive
Director.)
Chief Bordeleau reaffirmed that the Service continues
to focus on traffic safety as one of its top operational priorities. The OPS
has a strong partnership with Safer Roads Ottawa, which is now embedded
within the Traffic Unit. The OPS has created a Fatal Collision Review
Committee, has partnered with the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, and supports
new technologies to help officers enforce the rules of the road.
Ms. P. DuCharme, Executive Director, Downtown Rideau
B.I.A., reiterated concerns expressed at the Board’s Finance and Audit
Committee meeting, that the OPS increase the number of foot patrol officers
in central district. Chair El-Chantiry urged Ms. DuCharme to continue
dialoguing and working with Superintendents J. McKenna and M. Ford.
Referencing some of the figures presented by Ms.
DuCharme, Member Hubley requested clarification on whether crime was on the
rise and whether there was any evidence to suggest the changes made to the
policing model were the cause. Chief Bordeleau explained that the statistics
indicate a general increase in crime across the city, and therefore the
downtown core is not immune to this trend. The OPS continues to monitor
crime trends, and under the new service delivery model, resources are
reassigned to where they are most needed. He said that the new year will
bring an increase in resources for those staffing the afternoon shift in the
downtown core. The Chief also explained that the new service delivery model,
in effect since January 2017, has not seen any shifts in crime that can be
directly attributed to its implementation.
Speaking to an increase in 9-1-1 calls downtown, Chief
Bordeleau noted that the majority of calls are medically related and
suggested that an increase in police presence would not prevent these types
of calls from occurring. With the numerous challenges facing those with
addictions and mental health issues, officers continue to work with shelters
and partners to support this vulnerable population.
Member Valiquet asked if it was possible for the
officers assigned to the downtown area to work more closely with Downtown
Rideau to help change the perception of the area. Chief Bordeleau noted that
the area’s Community Police Officer regularly communicates and works closely
with the BIAs, and is very much integrated into the area.
Chief Bordeleau, Director General D. Frazer and Chief
Financial Officer J. Letourneau responded to questions raised by Chair
El-Chantiry. Specifically:
·
The
overtime budget allocated under the Executive Command’s budget is for the
administrative assistants.
·
The
budget for the ABD Frontline Admin also includes the Emergency Services Unit,
which consists of about 80 members.
·
Dry
cleaning allowances included in some section budgets are as a result of sworn
members being present in those sections and provisions under the collective
agreement.
Looking at the forecast for 2019 and beyond, Chair
El-Chantiry stated there is still more work to be done. He felt
opportunities exist for staff to undertake more detailed reviews of section
budgets, and that with the new tracking and control mechanisms put in place
this year, there should be a reduction in overtime costs and on-call
expenses.
Following the discussion, the Board considered the
report recommendations:
That the Ottawa Police Services Board:
1. Approve
the 2018 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets.
2. Direct the
Executive Director to forward the Budgets to City Council for approval.
CARRIED
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