Larry O’Brien

Today, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), who will be releasing full crime statistics for the year 2009 next week, announced that Ottawa remains one of the safest cities in Canada. OPS has outlined some of the highlights from their upcoming report and I am delighted with the progress that is being made.

The City experienced a significant decline in the number of non-traffic criminal code offences, violent crimes, abductions, and property crimes in 2009. In addition, there were fewer break and enters, less fraud, and less mischief-related offences.

I would like to congratulate Police Chief Vern White and the entire Ottawa Police Service for their dedication, hard work, and results. Thanks in part to their efforts, the nation,s capital has become the most livable city in Canada.

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.

Today, Mayor O’Brien made a presentation to City Council to showcase January 2010 as Heart Month in the City of Ottawa.  Mayor O’Brien was also proud to welcome John deHooge as the City’s new Fire Chief.

Pictures from the event can be found here:

Gallery - Heart Month & Fire Chief deHooge

Statement from Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien

December 29, 2009

I join all residents of the City of Ottawa in sorrow over the tragic death of Constable Eric Czapnik. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We hope this will support them in the difficult days ahead.

Our community is in shock at this senseless crime. Cst. Czapnik’s killing gives us pause to reflect on the dangers our first responders face daily on our behalf.

This was the first homicide of an Ottawa police officer since 1983. The killing of an officer in the service of protecting our public safety is universally condemned, and our city is united in rejecting this violence and supporting the men and women in uniform.

I have instructed that the flags be lowered to half staff in recognition of this tragedy and in Cst. Czapnik’s memory.