Let's rethink police oversight in Ottawa and beyond
Engagement of citizens is essential, Daljit Nirman says.
After taking a break from local politics, I was disheartened — though not surprised — to find that little had changed within the Ottawa Police Services Board.
After my departure from the board in March 2022, I penned a column urging its newly appointed members to uphold the crucial recommendations of the Public Order Inquiry Commission.
These findings highlighted the shortcomings of the board, myself included, as well as the leadership of the Ottawa Police Service.
They were underscored by Justice Rouleau's report, which affirmed the necessity for boards to take the lead and actively define their oversight roles, holding police services and their leadership accountable not just in times of crisis but also in the day-to-day operations that consume their attention.
The reality that this important work has been sidelined due to shifting media and public attention underscores our urgent need for reform. Such critical observations and recommendations must be heeded in both letter and spirit. Regrettably, it also highlighted the province's neglect of this issue.
I made the point quietly while on the board and publicly after I left that the selection of board members and the chair and vice-chair appointments should be free from partisanship and based on the members' priorities and skills.
In Ottawa, the police services board is made up of different people, including the mayor or his designate, two city council members, someone chosen by the council who isn't political, and three people picked by the province.
Together, they pick a chair and vice-chair by voting for them.
For decades, there's been a tendency to give city appointments these leadership roles. But the recent decision to pick someone from the province who isn't political as chair is a step in the right direction. While the board has made important progress, the need for change persists.
It is concerning that board members have historically held their positions for extended periods, returning only to push specific agendas through loyal allies.
In a diverse city like Ottawa, there's no reason for anyone to serve more than two terms or to come back to the board after stepping down. This undermines the genuine desire of citizens to improve policing disregarding the fresh skills and perspectives new members offer, which stalls long-term institutional progress.
It is hoped that the province will consider changing the newly enacted Community Safety and Policing Act to limit board members to a maximum of two consecutive terms. This change would prevent longstanding members from upholding the status quo and stifling the fresh ideas and energy of newcomers, who may feel pressured to conform to long-standing practices.
The recent appointment of a new Inspector General of Policing in Ontario underscores the urgent need for robust oversight in our policing systems, reflecting a commitment to accountability and transparency across all levels of law enforcement governance.
Despite the province's perceived abandonment of the city during the convoy crisis, there is optimism that the Inspector General will receive the necessary authority and resources to proactively address such crises, ultimately benefiting our communities. With institutions like the police facing challenges in achieving complete transparency due to their duties, the Inspector General's role is expected to strengthen the imperative of independent oversight.
As citizens, we must take ownership of our community's safety and justice. Depending solely on police or boards to lead or for accountability is not enough. We need to be proactive, stay informed, and directly shape policing to reflect our values and expectations. Our engagement is essential. Through active participation in police-community programs and public forums, we foster dialogue and build partnerships, to develop a policing model that embodies our collective ideals.
Together, we can ensure our community becomes a safer, more just place for everyone.