Flag and Banner Program
About the Program
The Ottawa Police Service strongly believes in being a diverse and non-discriminatory police service. Building partnership within the community is an important part of community policing because partnerships help enhance communication and build trust. By participating in various cultural and religious events, meetings and committees, the police service takes an active role in promoting understanding and harmony of different faiths and cultural groups in the community.
The Ottawa Police Service Flag and Banner Program is an opportunity to raise awareness about a particular cultural or religious group by temporarily displaying the group's "flag" or "symbol" in the lobby of a police building in recognition of a significant event (holiday, celebration, tradition, historical day, memorial).
Goals
The Flag and Banner Program has the following main goals:
- To build partnerships with cultural and religious groups;
- To promote cultural and religious awareness within policing; and
- To celebrate Ottawa's diversity and promote an inclusive community.
How to Make a Request
A written letter of request to participate in the Flag and Banner Program must be submitted to the Office of the Chief at least eight weeks in advance. Following Chief of Police approval, the request will be forwarded to the Director of Community Development and Corporate Communications for assignment. With some assistance from Ottawa Police Service staff, the community group will utilize the Flag and Banner Program toolkit to coordinate the flag recognition.
The Flag and Banner Program toolkit consists of the following materials:
- Flag and Banner Program Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- First Meeting Planning Form
- Event Planning Checklist
- Event Samples (Invitation, Media Release, News Release, Office of the Chief Message to Members, Detailed Agenda, Broadcast Articles)
To request a Flag and Banner Program toolkit, please contact the Diversity and Race Relations Section at 613-236-1222, ext. 5011.
