Ottawa’s Reported Crime Rate Drops By 2.6%
Today the Ottawa Police Services Board released its latest report showing that, in 2009, there was a marked decrease in crimes against people and property in our city.
The “2009: A Year in Review” report also shows that our police officers are responding to all calls quickly and professionally, in line with our police force’s outstanding reputation.
As Chief Vernon White has said, while Ottawa is known to be one of Canada’s safest cities, the work of our first responders, residents, and community at large is integral in protecting our streets.
As a municipal government, our primary responsibility and concern is the safety and security of our residents. The City is doing its part through ongoing investment in policing services through the Strategic Staffing Initiative (SSI).
The City’s close partnership with our police force means that officers have a strong presence here, and also allows for close cooperation with paramedic, fire and by-law services. It also allows the Ottawa Police Service to be a model of integrated policing with its national capital area partners – RCMP, OPP, Sûreté du Québec, Gatineau Police, Canadian Border Services, and the Military Police.
I am extremely proud of our police force’s achievements and commend all of our first responders for their ongoing work to make Ottawa a safe place in which to live and raise our families.