(Ottawa) A special Ottawa Police foot patrol project in the By Ward Market and Rideau St. area continues to see success and make a difference for the people who live, work and visit the area.
“Two months of constant police presence around the problem areas has resulted in a noticeable change, echoed by residents, business owner and tourist alike,†said Ottawa Police Inspector Chris Rheaume.
From July 15 to August 18, 2013, the officers responded to 227 calls for service and laid 724 charges that included Bylaw infractions, Provincial Offences including trespassing, aggressive panhandling, and public intoxication, 43 Criminal charges including drug possession, possession of stolen property, indecent acts and breaching probation conditions.
An increased number of police officers, in partnership with Bylaw Enforcement Officers, OC Transpo Constables have been walking the beat enforcing various bylaws and criminal and provincial offences.
The special three-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 and businesses alike.
“Since this project was implemented, we have seen a reduction in negative experiences reported by our guests, colleagues and partners within our community,†said Michael Balfour, Director of Health & Safety/Loss Prevention at the Fairmont Château Laurier. “The work by the Ottawa Police has resulted in a safer community for everyone and contributed to maintaining the district as the nation capital’s number one tourist destination.â€
The Ottawa Police Service conducts enforcement in response to community complaints as one of their strategies to community identified problems and related issues.