Chief’s Verbal Report
February 23, 2009
I am pleased to report to the
Police Services Board that by all accounts, the recent visit to Ottawa by U.S.
President Obama went very well. In
support of the RCMP, the Ottawa Police Service had the responsibility to ensure
the safety and security of the President, his entourage, the public and our
members.
Every member of the OPS has a
reason to be proud today given the extremely successful operation associated
with Thursday's historic and safe visit.
I would like to take this time
to express our thanks to everyone on the Presidential Visit planning team. The Operational Planning Team demonstrated a
strong commitment and dedication over the past three weeks since President
Barack Obama’s visit was officially announced.
Many thanks to our police and
city partners who assisted in this event.
I would ask Sandra Arseneault our new Executive Director, Resourcing and Development and Jimmy Mui our new Executive Director to stand and be introduced to the Board.
We are pleased to introduce our new of Manager, Health, Safety and Lifestyles, Angela Slobodian who is with us tonight. Angela is a Registered Nurse who has recently worked at the Canadian Public Health Association and Nortel Networks. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and an Occupational Health Nursing Certificate, Angela will be a terrific addition to the Resourcing and Development team.
On 16 March, Michelle Rathwell will join the OPS as the Director of Human Resources. Michelle began working with the City of Ottawa in 1991 before moving to the Canadian Health Service Research Foundation and finally to Canada Post as the Executive Services Director. Michele graduated from Carleton University with a BA and from the University of Toronto in HR Management and has various other HR credentials.
The final new member of the HR team is the
Manager of Labour and Employee Relations.
Toni Francis will begin her role with the OPS on 23 March. Toni brings a wealth of knowledge from her
work as Manager Labour Relations at the Ottawa Hospital.
Following the closure of the Block Parent®
program in the City of Ottawa last fall, the Ottawa Police Service is still looking
for Block Parent window signs to be returned.
In support of Ontario Block Parent®’s efforts to retrieve the red and
white window signs, the police service is extending the sign return deadline to
31 March 2009. A media release will be
issued this week. Information is
available at ottawapolice.ca
The Diversity and Race Relations Section, along
with volunteers and sponsorship from the Ottawa Police Association held a
"Wine and Cultural Fundraising Event on 5 February 2009. The event was very well attended by the
community and members of the Police Service and the Board. Special thanks to Chair El-Chantiry and Member
Doran who attended the event. The good
news is that just over $7,000 was raised and will be added to the capital base
of the event.
The Ottawa Police Service once again held an
event and unfurled a banner in the Lobby of 474 Elgin Street to recognize and
celebrate Black History Month in the city of Ottawa. The event, co-sponsored by Black History Ottawa was well attended
and included an awesome drumming performance by the Richie Street Drummers.