Statement from Chief Bordeleau regarding draft street check regulations

(Ottawa)—Yesterday, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services released draft street check regulations.

The draft regulations are complex and contain significant new requirements for police services. They prohibit the random and arbitrary collection of identifying information by police; and establish clear new rules for voluntary police-public interactions where identifying information is collected by officers.

The Ottawa Police Service has always maintained that random and arbitrary street checks are illegal and are not practiced by our officers. Our officers will continue the current practice in place until such time as the Ministry’s new regulations are enacted.

Over the next few weeks, we will be reviewing the draft regulations to determine the practical applications and project impacts on the scope, approach and budget.

Ottawa Police will not be making further comments until such time as our review is completed.

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