Ottawa Police Services Board

June 24, 2013

Chief’s Verbal Report

 

Guilty Verdict in Death of Donna Jones

In early June, Mark Hutt was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Donna Jones in December 2009.  He will be sentenced tomorrow.

 

Anyone who saw the coverage of the trial knows that this was a terrible case of domestic violence that ended in homicide.  I want to recognize the officers who worked on this case – from the entire investigative and identification teams to patrol.  Through their professionalism and dedication they brought justice for Donna.

 

I know that our thoughts are with her and her family.

 

Recruit Badge Ceremony

On June 11, I joined several Board Members, the Chair and the Mayor to welcome 14 new officers to our Police Service.

 

We continue to enjoy recruitment that reflects the demographics of our community and brings a wealth of experience and quality individuals to our service.  Among them we had a former French teacher and several with previous military experience.  One has experience with a First Nations police force.

 

Foot Patrol

On June 17, a foot patrol project that draws on officers from across the City was launched in order to target the high call for service areas around Rideau Street, the Byward Market and Lowertown.

 

We want to help ensure everyone can enjoy the area and, this summer, the patrol is working on street level drug dealing and crime and disorder issues.  So far, the twelve-member team has been well received by the downtown community and has already seen success making three arrests in a robbery in progress on Rideau Street.

 

YIPI Graduation

On June 11, 39 young people graduated from our YIPI (Youth in Policing Initiative) Program.  This was the first group to complete our first ever non-summer, after-school version of YIPI.

 

I was honoured to hear some of the YIPI members speak at the graduation.  This initiative creates ripple effects in the community at large and helps shape how young people perceive law enforcement.

 

Special Olympics Torch Run

 

OPS members, along with members of the OPP, RCMP Corrections and other law enforcement agencies joined local special Olympians for the Law Enforcement Torch Run that took place on Monday, June 17th.

 

The group departed from Carleton University and ran to City Hall.

 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest source of funds for Special Olympics Ontario.  It supports more than 18,000 athletes with uniforms, equipment and costs for the event.

 

Community Police Awards

Significant contributions and achievements, community service and bravery were recognized last week at the Community Police Awards ceremony.  More than two dozen awards were presented during the ceremony.  Police officers, civilians and retirees with OPS, paramedics and members of the public were among the honourees.

 

Also recognized were past OPSB member Henry Jensen and OPS Chaplaincy/Spiritual Program member Father William Penney.

 

Youth Net Cheque Presentation

The OPS had the honour of hosting the Joe Mac basketball tournament this year.  The tournament was named in memory of Cst. Joseph MacDonald, a Sudbury police officer who was killed on duty in 1993.  Constable Macdonald had been a Carleton University football player.

 

All of the $5,000 raised from this police event was donated to Youth Net, a mental health promotion and intervention program run by youth for youth.

 

On that note, I want to invite the Board to join with our members and police members from the across the country on Parliament Hill for the Canadian Police and Peace Officer’s Memorial.  The event this year is on September 29th.  It is an important day to remember the sacrifices made in service to our communities and to recognize the dangers our members face every day.

 

Thank you