Ottawa Police Service launches Third-Party Harassment Reporting for Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 11, 2020 11:15am 

(Ottawa) – Since May 2020, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) formally commenced the Workplace Sexual Violence and Harassment (SVH) project to eliminate workplace sexual violence and harassment in the OPS by ensuring a safe, supportive and inclusive work environment for all members and an overall organizational culture of respect, openness and high standards for professional and equitable policing that is reflective of our core values.

“This project is a major priority for the Service and the Board and is the direct result of listening to members’ concerns about their experiences and listening to their suggestions to pilot a third-party intake and investigation process,” said Chief Peter Sloly.

That is why Rubin Thomlinson LLP (RT) was selected in October 2020 to develop and implement a six-month pilot project to act as an independent third-party agency who will provide intake and investigation services for all OPS harassment complaints.  RT was also contracted to conduct a comprehensive review of all OPS SVH policies, procedures and practices. 

RT formally commenced the intake and investigation pilot on December 9, 2020. Over the next six months, RT will receive complaints about workplace harassment. They will independently investigate all claims, maintaining confidentiality of parties. Information will only be disclosed where necessary for the purposes of managing or investigating the complaint, or as required by law.

“The Board acknowledges that it needs to provide a better, safer and more collaborative and supportive workplace for the members of the OPS,” said OPSB Chair Diane Deans. “This partnership with RT will help accelerate our efforts to achieve a workplace culture we can all be proud of; one that is rid of sexual violence and harassment.”

A full independent evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of the pilot project.

This is one of many steps we are taking in a number of foundational changes within the OPS to help strengthen us as a Service. The important work we are doing now, will help pave the path towards a more resilient and responsive police service. 

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