OUR VIEW OF THE RESPONSES

The following is an assessment of the replies received to the Ottawa Witness Group questionnaire on policing in Ottawa. We point out here the most positive responses to the issues raised in the survey, and indicate the candidates who demonstrate, in our view, the greatest interest in improving municipal services related to policing of major events and achieving a more effective complaints process.

The questionnaire was distributed to all 76 candidates in the November 10 municipal election: the 8 in the mayoral race and the 68 in competition for Ottawa City Council seats. Of these, 15 replied with detailed information. This response rate of 20% is above average for postal surveys.

We appreciate the time and effort taken by the candidates to respond to the questionnaire. During the course of a campaign there are numerous demands on a candidate’s time, including many surveys related to election issues. Since we believe that policing services and processes are fundamentally important to citizens, we encourage the public to read with care their detailed replies to the questions (above).

Some candidates did not complete the questionnaire but gave brief statements of their views, values and positions. These are also posted above.

One area of the questionnaire focussed on the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB). Key to its role is the civilian oversight responsibility. The public has turned over significant powers to the police in return for their enforcement of the laws that we have all agreed to live by. These powers can be abused if not rigorously monitored. The Ottawa Police Service is generally first-rate and its members operate with integrity, honour and dedication. Situations may arise, however, in which individuals may misuse their authority. Sometimes the strategy and approach to policing activities, such as major events, may not be the most appropriate under the circumstances.

Currently the only protection the public has against abuse of authority is the OPSB. As presently constituted, the autonomy of the OPSB from the Ottawa Police Service is questionable. The OPSB has no resources or ability to investigate complaints independently of the OPS. The complaints process is thus fundamentally flawed because impartial review is lacking. This is unfortunate, because a body with a strong and independent watchdog function ultimately has the effect of giving more credibility to the police service, and supports those officers who consistently maintain high standards of professional conduct.

The Board is required to do more than approve budget items. It sets the policies for the conduct of policing and it is the eyes of the community when police misbehaviour is alleged. City Council is one step removed; the province is even further away. It is up to the Board to protect the citizens. A Board which is afraid or unable to challenge the police service is failing in its duty to the community.

A special questionnaire was sent to the two members of the Police Services Board who are running for re-election. The Chair, Herb Kreling (Ward 1) did not reply. Jacques Legendre (Ward 13) gave us a very informative response. Mr. Legendre has been a strong advocate on the Board and has spoken out courageously on accountability issues. Mr. Legendre reflects in his responses, and in his actions during his tenure on the Board, a serious commitment to providing the oversight which should be a key function of the OPSB as a whole.

Some highlights from the survey:

Most of the candidates displayed a clear understanding of the civilian oversight role of the Police Services Board and indicated a desire to protect the public interest in policing activities. Some recognized that there is room for improvement in PSB efforts and identified a need for policies and encouragement to be focussed on promoting cooperation between the police and citizens wishing to express dissent publicly.

• A majority of candidates felt that there has been improvement in policing at major events, but three-quarters would like the Agenda for Excellence to be formally adopted as policy without delay. Almost all would support increased use of the Major Events Liaison Team (MELT) and most would see it made a permanent part of the police service.

• Although most candidates accept the extremely low rate of validation of citizen complaints by the police and the OPSB, the majority would support efforts to establish a more independent and objective complaints process. They would urge the provincial government to change the legislation mandating the process.

• The majority would like to see that third-party complaints of police misconduct could be filed in Ontario.

• In the interests of transparency, the majority (75%) would make public the guidelines for the use of pepper spray and tasers, but would not ban the use of these weapons by police unless better alternatives are found.

• Few candidates would discourage the practice of widespread videotaping of citizens involved in demonstrations, even if their activities are peaceful and innocent.

  ---

In our opinion the most enlightened views were expressed by these candidates: Ward 4 - Peggy Feltmate
Ward 4 - Grant Johnston
Ward 7 - Alex Cullen
Ward 12 - Natasha Duckworth
Ward 12 - Angela Rickman
Ward 14 - Dawn Pickering
  The responses of these candidates:
• demonstrated a strong concern for the rights and freedoms of the public.
• indicated that they understand the need for the Ottawa Police Services Board to act independently to protect the public in maintaining standards of police conduct.
• expressed a willingness to work to change the current restrictive complaints process in the interests of both the citizens and dedicated police officers.