"Panel says officers betrayed citizens" trust at G20 summit

BY SARA BRUNETTI

Ottawa police must admit they made mistakes at the G20 summit in November in order to restore public trust in the force, speakers at the Citizens Panel on Policing and the Community demanded last night.

"Without acknowledgement there were even any problems, it is very hard for those victimized to feel any trust is possi- ble," said Rev. Sharon Moon on behalf of First United Church. "So far, there has been no recognition of responsibility or harm or even regret from the police."

Rev. Moon was among about 15 people who presented concerns about the police"s behav- iour at the summit at the panel"s second meeting.

Formed on Feb. 14, the panel is aiming to find ways to promote trust between citizens and the police.

Bob Stevenson, who has lived in Ottawa for 40 "years, says the police must take action. "We need to start by recommending that Chief Beven apologize for the actions of his officers and the OPP. on that weekend and to indicate that changes will be made to their strategies for future rallies," he said, eliciting applause from many of the 40 people in the audience.

Pat Logan, a member of the church, rallied at LeBreton Flats in November said she was shaken by fear at the force used by police. She wasn"t physically harmed, but says "grievous injury" was done.

"I lost my trust in my police force," she said. "That trust now has to be Won back by a police force that is accountable and open.

Deputy police Chief Larry Hill attended the meeting with two other members of the force. He says until the panel publishes its report in April, it is too early to talk about what possible action will be taken.

"There are an infinite number of ways to deal with the themes we"re hearing," he said. "We"re going to be responsive to whatever comes out of this."

Marion Dewar, former mayor of Ottawa and one of four members on the panel, says the discussions are already helping the community come togetner.

"People realize we're sincere and that we"re actually going to do something," she said. "We hope to make reasonable rec ommendations both groups would like to see happen."

The panel will hold further hearings on Feb.28 from 6 p.m, to 9 p.m. and on March 2 from 1 p.m. to 5p.m. at City Hall. Written submissions can be made through the panel"s Web site at http://members.rogers.com/citizenspanel.