69 Officers recognized at June 7th Badge Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 6^th, 2022            2:00 pm 

(Ottawa) — A large group of Officers who were hired in 2019 and have been working through the pandemic will officially receive their Badges tomorrow.

The 2019 Badge Ceremony was postponed through the pandemic due to public health guidelines.

“We are very proud of this group of officers. They have been on the road for the last three years in some of the most unique conditions in society any of us have ever seen,” said Interim Chief Steve Bell. “The Badge Ceremony allows us the chance to officially welcome this highly talented, diverse group of officers and their families to our Service.”

The Badge Ceremony is designed to be the last step for new recruits. However, this is now a seasoned group with years of experience responding to calls, investigating crimes, helping our community and dealing with emergencies affecting our city.

The Ceremony will include members of the Ottawa Police Services Board, other dignitaries and family and friends.

The Badge Ceremony and March Past will begin at 1 p.m. at Lansdowne Park in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion. Members of the media are welcome.

The officers will complete a formal inspection, and after formally receiving their badges from Interim Chief Steve Bell, they will conclude with a March Past. Photographs with family and friends will be available after the Ceremony (we urge all taking part to practice COVID-related public health guidelines).

The approach has been successful in bringing in very qualified, high-quality candidates who reflect the skills and enthusiasm we need, and the community we serve. We are actively recruiting new members of every community to join the Ottawa Police.

The group is highly educated with university and/or college degrees and they bring a wealth of experience ranging from previous careers or volunteering in social work. From military experience to sales experience, some were already working within the Ottawa Police, and have made the decision to become Sworn Police Officers with the Ottawa Police Service. Many speak English and French, and other languages spoken include Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, Creole, and Mandarin as well as Sign language.

All have volunteered within the community, from Big Brother and Big Sisters to the Santa Claus Parade, and Ottawa Victim Services to coaching youth sports.

The standards for becoming a police officer are the most stringent they have ever been. The Ottawa Police Service has continuously worked to remove unfair and unnecessary barriers that have previously kept excellent potential police applicants from all communities from successfully completing our hiring processes. 

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 MEDIA NOTE: There will be a designated media area set-up. Media will not be permitted to circulate during the Graduation Ceremony.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366