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If you don’t know what to do when you’re involved a collision, it could cost you thousands of dollars

In 2019, there were 16,399 collisions reported in Ottawa. Most of them had minor or no injuries, but vehicle owners potentially faced expensive repair bills. No one wants to be involved in a collision, but it’s best to be prepared.

“Most people haven’t planned what they would do if they get hit,” says Cst. Michel Vandal, who works in the Traffic Section at Ottawa Police Service. “If you haven’t already done your homework, not knowing what to do could cost you thousands of dollars in fees not...

Celeste, Police Communicator

I guess the biggest surprise for me was the number of times calls have a mental health component. I was nervous when I spoke to my first suicidal person. You learn all the policies and procedures, but how do you fill the silence while you wait on the line with the caller until emergency responders arrive? What if I say the wrong thing? Now I’m more comfortable with these calls. Usually, it’s a friend or family member making the call. I tell them, you made the right choice, calling for help....

Elizabeth, Police Communicator

Most people think this job would be like what you see on TV, but it isn’t. I take a lot of calls for collisions, assaults, disputes and missing people and I must be ready. The training is extensive. I was nervous when I started taking calls myself. You can study, but until you do it, you have no idea how you will react. Not everyone can do this job, you need a certain personality. Empathy and caring are a must, but you’re there to help in a tough situation, so you must be calm and professional....