Ottawa Police Service

Ottawa, Canada

The Ottawa Police Service is the municipal police force serving the city of Ottawa, Ontario. It is responsible for law enforcement, emergency response, community policing, crime prevention, and enforcement of laws and regulations to ensure public safety.

CCI Score

7.82

-0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Launch of CORE Community Outreach Strategy

On May 21, 2024, the Ottawa Police Service announced its Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Strategy, a community-based approach aimed at reducing crime in high-priority areas. The strategy emphasizes data-driven resource allocation, increased police visibility, and collaboration with over thirty community partners, including the independent Integrated Community Situation Table (ICST) for wrap-around support services.

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OBJECTOR

Ottawa Police Service is currently rated as an Objector.

0 to +9 CCI Score

These companies deliberately avoid direct involvement with authoritarian practices. While they do not actively challenge oppressive regimes, they maintain a neutral stance to ensure they are not complicit in supporting such systems.

Latest Events

MAY

21

2024

Launch of CORE Community Outreach Strategy
63.90

On May 21, 2024, the Ottawa Police Service announced its Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Strategy, a community-based approach aimed at reducing crime in high-priority areas. The strategy emphasizes data-driven resource allocation, increased police visibility, and collaboration with over thirty community partners, including the independent Integrated Community Situation Table (ICST) for wrap-around support services.
+70

Public and Political Behavior

April 6

The CORE Strategy represents a progressive, community-focused policing approach. By emphasizing data-driven decision-making, strong community partnerships, and independent oversight (via the ICST), the Ottawa Police Service is taking tangible steps to increase public safety while addressing root causes of crime. This initiative aligns well with anti-authoritarian values by promoting transparency, accountability, and community involvement, which are key in opposing heavy-handed or repressive law enforcement tactics.

Ottawa Police Launch Strategy To Improve Community Safety And Well-being
APR

20

2024

Ottawa Police Investigate Hate Speech at Pro-Palestinian Rally
58.84

The Ottawa Police Service launched an investigation into hate speech allegations following a pro-Palestinian rally on Parliament Hill, where chants in support of the Hamas-led October 7 attack were reported. The investigation, led by the hate and bias crime unit, reflects the commitment to uphold laws against hate speech and protect marginalized communities.
+65

Public and Political Behavior

April 6

The investigation demonstrates a proactive stance in addressing hate speech and extremist rhetoric, aligning with anti-fascist efforts by holding individuals accountable for hate-inspired language. This action supports the safeguarding of democratic values and the protection of marginalized communities from hate-driven violence.

Ottawa police investigating complaints of hate speech at pro-Palestinian rally
FEB

08

2023

City Auditor Criticizes OPS for Intelligence Sharing Failures During Freedom Convoy Protests
-32.12

An auditor general report on February 8, 2023, detailed that the Ottawa Police Service failed to timely share critical intelligence and coordinate with city emergency management and oversight bodies during the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests, undermining effective response and public safety.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

April 6

The auditor general's report criticizes the Ottawa Police Service for inadequate communication and coordination, which impeded the city's ability to plan and respond effectively during the protests. This failure undermines public trust and demonstrates a lack of accountability in public and political behavior.

UPDATE: City auditor criticizes Ottawa police over handling of ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests
OCT

31

2022

OPS Internal Investigation of Intelligence Report Bias
23.44

Ottawa Police Service confirmed that its professional standards branch is investigating former intelligence report author Sgt. Chris Kiez for controversial social media posts. The investigation follows reports of inflammatory statements made on LinkedIn that dismissed left-wing activists and teachers during the lead-up to the convoy protest, and reflects internal efforts to address bias and uphold ethical standards.
+30

Public and Political Behavior

April 6

By launching an internal investigation into the inflammatory and dismissive social media posts made by Sgt. Chris Kiez, Ottawa Police Service is taking a corrective step to address potential internal bias and authoritarian-leaning rhetoric. This action promotes accountability within the organization and signals a commitment to ethical political behavior.

Ottawa police confirm internal investigation involving convoy report author
MAR

31

2022

OPS Complaint Surge Amid 'Freedom Convoy' Protest
-36.84

A report submitted to the police services board revealed that in the first quarter of 2022, Ottawa Police Service saw a significant spike in public complaints, with 327 complaints recorded and 275 tied to the 'Freedom Convoy' protest. However, only 12 complaints were referred for investigation, raising concerns about accountability and responsiveness in politically charged situations.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

April 6

The dramatic surge in complaints during a politically sensitive protest, combined with the minimal number of investigations (12 out of 275 complaints), suggests a concerning lack of accountability. This may reflect an inclination towards an authoritarian approach by inadequately addressing citizen grievances, thereby undermining public trust.

Ottawa police inundated with hundreds of complaints after 'Freedom Convoy' protests
MAR

01

2022

Investigation of Police Donations to Freedom Convoy Fundraiser
-43.85

An ongoing internal investigation at the Ottawa Police Service is probing allegations that some officers donated to a Freedom Convoy fundraiser after the protest was declared illegal, raising concerns about political impartiality and potential ideological bias within the force.
-60

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 6

Multiple Ottawa Police Service officers are under scrutiny for donating to the Freedom Convoy fundraiser following the declaration of the protest as illegal. This raises serious concerns about the force’s political neutrality and the potential endorsement of extremist or far-right ideologies, undermining public trust in the institution. The ongoing investigation highlights the need for stronger safeguards to ensure that law enforcement remains apolitical.

Police still investigating officers' donations to Freedom Convoy fundraiser
FEB

15

2022

Ex-Chief Calls for Critical Reforms Amid Bias and Extremism Allegations
43.68

Ottawa's former police chief, Peter Sloly, testified at the federal inquiry calling on the Ottawa Police Service to confront internal bias and right-wing extremism. He highlighted issues stemming from his resignation during the protests over the 'Freedom Convoy' and internal disagreements regarding command structure, urging reforms to rebuild public trust.
+60

Public and Political Behavior

April 6

The testimony by the former chief calls for the confrontation of institutional bias and right-wing extremism, aligning with anti-fascist principles. His advocacy for transparency and internal reform is a positive move in rebuilding public trust in the police force.

Ottawa police must confront bias, right-wing extremism to rebuild trust: ex-chief
JAN

23

2022

Officer’s Far-Right Donation and Discreditable Conduct
-14.47

Constable Kristina Neilson admitted to donating money to the 'Freedom Convoy' via GoFundMe and GiveSendGo, which was deemed a violation of professional standards. The Ottawa Police Service’s professional standards unit investigated the matter, resulting in a guilty plea and proposed penalties including forfeiture of 40 hours of pay and participation in restorative justice.
-20

Public and Political Behavior

April 6

The incident reveals problematic political behavior within the force as an officer voluntarily supported a far‑right movement through donations. This conduct undermines public trust and reflects a misalignment with the ethical standards expected in law enforcement. However, the prompt investigation and disciplinary measures indicate an effort within the organization to address internal misconduct.

Ottawa police officer pleads guilty to discreditable conduct for donating to 'Freedom Convoy'