(Ottawa)– The Ottawa Police Lowertown Foot Patrol Project in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street area continues to see success and make a difference for the people who live, work and visit the area.
An increased number of police officers, in partnership with Bylaw Enforcement Officers and OC Transpo Special Constables have been walking the beat since July 2nd, 2014, enforcing various bylaws and criminal and provincial offences.
“This is the second year we have committed foot patrol officers during the summer to work in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street area,†said Central District Acting Staff Sergeant Bob Price.
The two-month project was launched as part of an ongoing effort to deal with community identified problems and related issues. It is concentrated in areas that draw repeated calls for service and frequent complaints from the public, business owners and residents.
In the first month of the project officers responded to 257 calls for service and laid 576 charges that included Bylaw infractions; Provincial Offences including trespassing, aggressive panhandling, and public intoxication; and 61 Criminal charges including drug possession, possession of stolen property, causing a disturbance and breaching judicial conditions. The project officers also apprehended individuals wanted on warrants, located missing persons and assisted patrol officers in the area.
“We have seen a reduction in nuisance type offences and we are pleased with the summer foot patrol initiative,†states Jasna Jennings, Executive Director of the ByWard Market BIA.
The Lowertown Foot Patrol team proactively engages citizens