Chief
Bordeleau reported on the following items: Overdose Prevention Strategy,
Arrest in Elmira Drive Murder, Officers Rescue Woman, Serial Break and Enters,
E Platoon Makes Arrest in Taser Robberies, Handgun Seized After Shots Fired,
More than 500 Charges Against Speeders, Hate Crime Reporting and Supt D.
Sweet Retirement. A copy of the Chief’s verbal report is available online.
Supt. D. Sweet Retirement
On behalf of the Board, Chair El-Chantiry wished Supt.
Sweet the best for his retirement and offered his heartfelt thanks for all he
has done for the Police Service and our community.
Sgt. C. Hrnchiar
Chair El-Chantiry wished to publically commend the actions
of Sgt C. Hrnchiar. There was a story in the media about the efforts he has
been taking to rebuild trust in the community, particularly with the Inuit
and Aboriginal communities. The community may recall he was previously
disciplined for making racist comments on Facebook about the death of an Inuk
artist. It is easy to remember and focus on negative incidents but it is
important to highlight the 180 degree change this officer has made. Sgt.
Hrnchiar has taken a negative situation and turned it into a positive one. On
behalf of the Board, the Chair congratulated him on his efforts.
Chief Bordeleau thanked the Chair for his comments and
added that he is very proud of what Sgt. Hrnchiar has accomplished. He noted
that Sgt. Hrnchiar’s very difficult journey can be used as an example of
someone acknowledging making a mistake and working hard at reconciling the
damage and hurt he has caused. He also thanked the CBC for sharing this good
news story.
Diversity Audit
In response to Member Smallwood’s request for an update
on the Diversity Audit, Chief Bordeleau stated that staff are in the process
of finalizing a Multi-Year Action Plan which contains the Diversity Audit.
Deputy Chief J. Skinner and Supt. C. Rheaume, owners of this work plan, have
already started consulting with the community. Staff are in the initial
stages of developing the terms of reference. The Chief anticipates that by
the end of the year the work will have begun with community involvement.
Reports will be submitted to the Board pertaining to the development and
process for the terms of reference as well as the audit itself.
Cellular Devices
In response to Member Smallwood’s query about the use
of “phone catching devices” by the OPS, Chief Bordeleau noted it was
inappropriate for him to comment on the types of technology the Service uses
in investigations. He advised the Board that the Ottawa Police Service does
not own these types of devices. He confirmed that the use of this type of
device by law enforcement is subject to a warrant and a court approved order.
Morgentaler Clinic
Member Valiquet explained that she had observed
protesters at the Morgentaler Clinic on Bank Street and asked
if they are in contravention of any by-law, and if so, would the City or the
Police enforce it. Chief Bordeleau stated that officers attend hundreds of
protests and demonstrations that vary in size. In this case the OPS is very
aware of the ongoing demonstrations that take place at 65 Bank Street. It’s
been an address they have responded to a number of times over the years. The
By-law that has been quoted in the media was introduced in 2001 by the City
to deal with larger demonstrations where individuals apply for permits.
Within the permit, the bylaw restricts the demonstrations to locations across
the street (ie: Embassies). In this specific case the by-law was not
intended to apply to lone demonstrators.
A police officer’s job is to remain neutral, keep the
peace and enforce the applicable laws. The OPS has attended and arrested individuals
for offences they have committed at that location. This has to be balanced
with the Charter of Rights and a person’s ability to speak freely and voice
their opinions. The Charter of Rights supersedes the By-law.
There is an agreed upon protocol in place between the
OPS and the Clinic for managing calls for service. The OPS has reached out
to the clinic for specific details on calls for service that were allegedly
refused as well as recent media articles. The Clinic has yet to respond. The
last meeting held with the Clinic and their lawyer was a couple of years ago and
a number of recommendations were made, such as the Toronto example of a
“Bubble Zone” which prevents demonstrators from protesting/demonstrating
within a specific geographical area. It would be up to the Clinic to put
forth a case to get a court injunction to restrict the protestors
geographically from a set distance from the clinic. For whatever reason, they
have chosen not to go down this path, therefore, to compare Ottawa to Toronto
is not accurate.
In response to a question from the Chair on whether the
protesters’ signs constitute hate crimes, the Chief explained that graphic
images at demonstrations must be assessed to see if they meet the threshold
of being classified under obscene material; evidence seen to date has not met
that threshold.
That the Ottawa
Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
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