Executive Director's report
Motion re: Briefing on Use of Force
Moved by: Vice Chair Salim Fakirani
WHEREAS previous members of the Ottawa Police Services Board had intended to conduct a review of Board policies applicable to de-escalation, use of force and non-force options, and/or other tactical deployment strategies, including but not limited to dynamic entries by way of a motion (M-20-04);
AND WHEAREAS this review did not take place;
AND WHEREAS the topic of use of force by police continues to be a relevant and contentious issue facing police services, particularly as it relates to the disproportionate use of force on racialized individuals, as well as individuals with real or perceived mental health disabilities;
AND WHEREAS there have been some developments since the original motion in 2020 tabled by the previous Board, including but not limited to, a completed review of dynamic entries by the Service; the development of a draft Race Data Strategy and action plan; and amendments to the Use of Force reporting requirements in the Equipment and Use of Force Regulation (O. Reg 532/22) under the Police Services Act;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief of Police be directed to arrange a briefing to the Board’s Policy and Governance Committee one use of force, including information on member training, de-escalation, use of force and non-force options, and/or other tactical deployment strategies (such as dynamic entries) and any developments occurring at the provincial and/or federal level to modernize use of force applications by police services.
Carried