Zev Singer, The Ottawa Citizen

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

The vice-chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board warned last night that the board is allowing the police force too much control of its own operation.

Councillor Jacques Legendre made the criticism at a meeting of the board, which approved the $135-million budget tabled two weeks ago. The meeting lasted 41/2 hours, mostly because of questions asked by Mr. Legendre.

Among the questions he asked was why the police service justified some of its increased spending on "partnerships." "I thought, naively, the idea was to save money," Mr. Legendre said.

Police Chief Vince Bevan mentioned Neighbourhood Watch as the kind of partnership that was so popular demand was increasing.

Mr. Legendre's biggest concern last night, however, was what he called a lack of ability by the board to investigate issues on its own. Mr. Legendre made a motion to set aside $60,000 per year to hire a researcher who would report directly to the board.

The board, made up of three councillors and four appointees, is now in a position only to react to what staff asks for, but never has time to collect its own information, he said. "We are blind right now," said Mr. Legendre. "We are just reactive."

Mr. Legendre's motion was defeated, with not one other board member supporting it.

Councillor Herb Kreling, who is chair of the board, said he felt the money could be "better spent elsewhere," and that the board was already spending a lot on the police budget without asking council for more money.

The only item added to the police budget last night was funding for a diversion program run by the Salvation Army that helps get people out of the sex trade.

The program is funded through the $300 fee charged to people who go to "john school" after being caught trying to hire prostitutes. The board voted to ensure the program had $20,000 in funding this year, even if not enough sweeps are done to bring in enough "tuition" money from the johns.

© Copyright 2002 The Ottawa Citizen