DATE:	24 March 2014
TO/DEST:	Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board
FROM/EXP:	Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service
SUBJECT/OBJET:	PUBLIC REWARDS: ANNUAL REPORT

RECOMMENDATION

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

BACKGROUND

In 2011, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) assumed responsibility from the Ottawa Police Services Board for issuing rewards to the public for information that assists in solving a specific, significant crime or crimes, including the location or return of missing persons or property, as well as identified unsolved homicides. The Board’s Public Rewards policy CR-10 attached at Annex A provides direction associated with reward monies and the terms and conditions for payment. The policy requires annual reporting on compliance with the policy and on any rewards offered during the reporting period. This report covers the period 2011 to 2013.

DISCUSSION

Several posters have been created and distributed. The first set was issued in October of 2011 for five (5) unsolved homicides pertaining to:

1. Simo El-Fenne (28 September 2008)

2. Jennifer Stewart (20 August 2010)

3. Paul Simard (3 April 2007)

4. Jason Gall (3 February 2007)

5. Mahamed Jama Ali (7 May 2009).

A second set of reward posters was released in 2012 involving seven (7) unsolved homicides:

1. Arash Raffiqi (30 April 2006)

2. Christopher Smith (12 April 1996)

3. John Brow (23 July 1996)

4. Sophie Filion (3 December 1993)

5. Carrie Mancuso (7 September 1995)

6. Doug Stewart (18 February 2004)

7. Melinda Sheppit (30 September 1990).

In October 2013 a single additional reward poster was issued in regard to the ongoing and unsolved murder of Amy Paul.

While the posters have generated many tips from the public, to date, no information has come forward that would qualify for reward money to be paid out. All tips received are prioritized by the investigative team and fully investigated.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

To date, no monies have been paid out under this policy, therefore, there is no financial implication.

CONCLUSION

This report covers reporting on the Board’s Public Rewards Policy between 2011 and 2013.

The OPS will continue to consider this investigative avenue in the investigation of unsolved homicides.

(Original signed by)

Charles Bordeleau

Chief of Police

Attach. (1)

Responsible for report: Superintendent Don Sweet

ANNEX A

CHAPTER THREE: CHIEF’S REQUIREMENTS

Policy Number: Policy Subject:
CR-10 PUBLIC REWARDS
LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE / AUTHORITY	Police Services Act section 31(1)(c)
DATE APPROVED	22 September 2008
DATE REVIEWED	2010, 2011, 2013
DATE AMENDED	28 March 2011
DATE TO BE REVIEWED	2016
REPORTING REQUIREMENT	Annual reporting as set out in Section 4 of policy

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE / AUTHORITY

Under Section 31(1)(c) of the Police Services Act the Board is responsible for the provision of adequate and effective police services in the municipality and shall establish policies for the effective management of the police force.

BOARD POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

It is the policy of the Ottawa Police Services Board to support the Ottawa Police Service in preventing and solving crime, including the pursuit and apprehension of offenders, through the offer and payment of rewards when deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

This policy provides direction to the Chief of Police with regard to the public offering and payment of rewards to persons who provide information that assists in solving a specific, significant crime or crimes, including the location or return of missing persons or property. It does not apply to policies already in place within the Police Service with regard to Paid Informants.

2. POLICY

The Chief of Police shall ensure there is an internal procedure in place that sets out rules to be followed with regard to the offering of rewards when it is believed it would lead to the conviction of any person guilty of an offence or lead to the location or return of a missing person or property. The procedure shall include the following provisions:

2.1 The Chief of Police shall have delegated authority to approve rewards up to a limit of $100,000 provided that funds are available within the existing budget. Rewards over $100,000 shall require the approval of the Board.

2.2 Upon receipt of a recommendation, the Chief of Police shall determine if the offering of a reward is appropriate in the circumstances.

2.3 Offers of contributions to rewards from third parties shall not be accepted.

2.4 The Chief of Police shall determine if any person or persons is/are entitled to all or any portion of any offered reward.

2.5 Members and employees, or immediate family of a member or employee, of the Ottawa Police Service, the Ottawa Police Services Board or any other law enforcement agency shall not be entitled to claim any reward monies. The Chief of Police retains ultimate authority to decide, in his/her discretion, a person’s eligibility for the payment of any reward monies.

2.6 The identity of any person claiming a reward shall not be disclosed publicly unless the Chief of Police approves the disclosure of this information or is obliged to release the information due to disclosure laws.

3. MEASUREMENT METHODS

The Chief of Police or a designate shall ensure that the appropriate accounting and audit systems are in place to ensure accountability and transparency of reward funds deposited and/or disbursed.

4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS