The Somerset Community Police Centre

The February edition of Constable Hoang’s Backyard Beat column is now out. This month’s column focuses on the departure of the current Chief of Police, Vern White, and the process by which a Chief of Police is selected.

“Recently, various members of the community have been discussing the departure of Chief White and have asked me about the process involved in appointing his successor.  It is great to see such public interest in the appointment of the new Chief.  After all, the Police Services Act stresses the need for co-operation between providers of police services and communities, as well as the importance of police services in Ontario being representative of the communities they serve and sensitive to the character of Ontario society.”

To read the full article, please visit our website, here. Or pick up a copy of your local community newspaper.

• Centretown: The Centretown Buzz
• Glebe: The Glebe Report
• Old Ottawa South: The OSCAR
• Old Ottawa East: The Main Streeter

Or online at the Centretown News.

The Ottawa Police Service would like to invite all women interested in a policing career to attend an information session on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Participants will meet policewomen from different ranks and have the opportunity for on-the-spot mentoring. Those interested in being mentored should bring their resumes.

Registration for this event is not required.

WHERE:      Chambers, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive
DATE:           Wednesday, February 29, 2012
TIME:            6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

For further information, please visit our website at www.ottawapolice.ca.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is seeking public input through the 2012 Public Survey on Policing Services. The survey will solicit residents’ perceptions on safety, crime, community priorities, and police performance.

Throughout February, a random sampling of 8,000 Ottawa households will be invited by mail to complete the 2012 Public Survey online through a secure online portal. Only those who were randomly selected to complete the survey will be able to participate. The Ottawa Police values the views of all Ottawa residents and welcomes additional input and feedback by mail, or through our website.

The Public Survey will ask respondents for their opinions on the level of crime in their neighbourhoods, their concerns and their feedback on services provided by our Service,” noted Ottawa Police Chief Vern White. “The results of the survey will help us improve our quality of service and ensure the needs of Ottawa residents are addressed.”

The information collected from the Public Survey will also assist the OPS in identifying public concerns and priorities for the upcoming 2013-2015 Business Plan.

Results from the last public survey conducted in 2008 can be found on our website .  Results of the 2012 survey will be available in the Spring.

Crime Prevention Ottawa is recruiting for their Board of Directors and for their Community Forum.

What is the CPO Board of Directors?

Crime Prevention Ottawa is governed and guided by a Board of Directors which is responsible for setting strategic direction, assuring sound financial management and hiring an Executive Director.  The Board of Directors is made up of 13 members: 5 members representing the community and 8 members representing institutions which contribute to safety in our community.  The Board seeks to be reflective of the community of Ottawa. 

What is the CPO Community Forum?

Ottawa residents can make a difference in their community by becoming a volunteer member of Crime Prevention Ottawa’s Community Forum.  The Community Forum is an advisory body.  It gives feedback to the Board of Directors with regard to planning and operations and advises with regard to emerging issues in the community, priorities and successes. 

Who is eligible?

Residents of the City of Ottawa who are 18 years of age or older are eligible for appointment.  The CPO Board of Directors may deem eligible because of their significant contribution to the Ottawa community individuals who resides outside the City. 

How do I get more information?

If you want more information on the responsibilities, selection process, or on the mandate and function of Crime Prevention Ottawa, see the Board of Directors or the Community Forum appointment policy at www.crimepreventionottawa.ca .

How do I apply?

Please submit a one-page letter of application outlining your qualifications, specific skills, interests and background.  You may apply to both the Community Forum and the Board of Directors. Applications may be submitted by electronic mail or regular mail.  Please submit your application by Wednesday, February 15, 2012, to:

Francine Demers, Crime Prevention Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West-Ottawa, ON  K1P 1J1
Fax: 613-580-2593-E-mail:  CPO@ottawa.ca