Ottawa Police introduces its Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Unit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 13, 2023   1:45 pm

(Ottawa)—In November, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) formalized the creation of a centralized Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit following a one-year pilot project.

The Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit seeks to redirect individuals charged with minor offences away from the criminal justice system towards programs and support services. The goal of the APCD program is to provide opportunities for individuals to address the reason(s) why they committed an offence in the first place, while being held accountable for their actions. This program also considers the victim’s needs and wishes regarding the incident.

If, in the course of their duties, an officer comes across an individual who may be eligible for diversion rather than being charged, they will submit a pre-charge diversion package to the APCD Unit for assessment. If the individual meets the criteria, they are connected with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa who will determine sanctions, or if social or public health services can be provided.  Participating service providers can then work together to provide supports and services for diverse community members – including Inuit, First Nations and Métis – under Restorative Justice Programs that reflect their culture and perspectives.

In late 2022, the Service began this pilot project to simplify and enhance referrals for individuals eligible for adult pre-charge diversion through a partnership with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, the John Howard Society of Ottawa, the Odawa Native Friendship Centre and the Tungasuvvingat Inuit, who work together to provide wide-ranging services. It is part of the OPS’ ongoing commitment to align with the City of Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan while helping to reduce or eliminate the number of minor criminal activities in our community.

A total of 208 people have been referred to the Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Pilot Program since October 2022, for various offences including Theft Under, Assault, and Mischief to name just a few. 

“I believe it’s a real testament to success when I hear from someone that ‘the opportunity toparticipate in Adult Pre-Charge Diversion changed my life,’” said Tania Hasbani, Community Justice Worker, Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. “There are numerous benefits of Adult Pre-Charge Diversion to program participants and the community. Many who have been referred are dealing with issues related to homelessness, poverty, addiction and/or mental health. The program provides timely support and referrals to programs and services that address their individual needs. By taking part in Adult Pre-Charge Diversion, individuals avoid criminal charges while taking responsibility for their actions. They complete program measures that not only address the underlying issues of their offence, but that also give back to the community and, in many cases, to the victim as well.”

“The Adult Pre-Charge Diversion pilot made significant strides in diverting individuals away from the criminal justice system and redirecting them to other services that are better able to address root cause issues,” said Sergeant Stephanie Guilbeault, APCD Project lead.

This has resulted in greater collaboration with partner agencies and has provided an opportunity for individuals who commit criminal offences to take steps to change their behavior(s) that led to minor criminal activity in the first place. 

“The priorities of the Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Unit are to foster strong social agency partnerships and provide processes for people who commit a minor offence to be diverted away from the criminal justice system so they may benefit from alternatives to traditional police intervention,” added Staff Sergeant Ian Hayes, with the Community Safety and Wellbeing Directorate.

You can find out more about the APCD Unit and the eligibility criteria for the program online.

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