Positive Results in the Initial Implementation Phase of CORE Strategy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:20 a.m.
(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police's Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Strategy is seeing some positive results.
An increase in the number of officers on foot patrol in high-priority areas has led to a 17.9% reduction in calls for service and a 4.62% reduction in crime across all hot spots.
Recent formal agreements with the Rideau BIA and ByWard Market district Authority have also led to the identification of twenty high-priority addresses for initial Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) audits and reports.
These success factors mark a significant milestone in enhancing public safety and community engagement in Ottawa's downtown core.
While the CORE Strategy is producing positive outcomes in crime reduction and community safety, Ottawa continues to face a devastating public health crisis.
According to Ottawa Public Health, there were 188 confirmed overdose deaths in 2023. Preliminary data for 2024 suggests that the city is on track to surpass last year's toll, with 244 suspected overdose fatalities already recorded as of November. This marks the fourth consecutive year of rising overdose deaths in the National Capital, highlighting the urgency for continued collaborative efforts to support vulnerable populations.
More Key Achievements
Neighbourhood Operations Centre (NOC): Since its opening in June, the NOC has become a central hub for different city agencies to work together, share real-time information and solve problems quickly. The NOC hosts the Frontline Taskforce (FTF), bringing together multiple city partners to enhance community safety and well-being. The FTF has expanded its role by inviting community agencies and partners to attend meetings as guest presenters, significantly enhancing our understanding of vulnerable community members' needs.
Integrated Community Situation Table (ICST): The ICST has brought together over 30 diverse community partners, creating a collaborative approach to support the complex needs of vulnerable people. Since April 2024, the ICST has conducted 15 interventions, demonstrating its efficacy in addressing complex cases. The ICST continues to actively strengthen partnerships with community initiatives that support and divert individuals facing challenges such as mental health and substance abuse issues.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): Funding has been allocated for environmental safety and security improvements. Specific improvements include enhanced lighting, strategic placement of security cameras, and removal of environmental features that may create opportunities for criminal activity.
Community Advisory Board (CAB): The OPS is working closely with city partners at Community Social Services and Ottawa Public Health to engage stakeholders and enhance community safety efforts. The CAB has been realigned with city-wide stakeholder engagement initiatives, ensuring a collaborative approach to community safety.
Hot Spots Policing: The strategy involves proactive patrols in eight high-priority hot spot areas, with officers conducting foot patrols during peak times. The current analysis shows a clear correlation between proactive policing and decreased calls for service.
The CORE Strategy, launched in June 2024, addresses the unique challenges faced by the ByWard Market, Rideau Street corridor, and Sandy Hill north. It is a proactive, evidence-based, and harm-focused community policing strategy that ensures police presence in the right place at the right time. The strategy comprises five interconnected initiatives: Neighbourhood Operations Centre (NOC), Integrated Community Situation Table (ICST), Hot Spots Policing and Focused Deterrence, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and the Community Advisory Board (CAB).
This month, the OPS tabled its 2025 Draft Operating and Capital Budget to the Ottawa Police Service Board (OPSB), highlighting service improvements and community safety initiatives like the CORE Strategy. OPS is in the process of finalizing provincial funding to continue supporting this initiative.
As the CORE Strategy moves forward, the OPS will start a new Focused Deterrence strategy to address repeat offenders. This method combines strict law enforcement with support services for individuals at high risk of reoffending. The next phase will also include better crime analysis, strategic patrols, problem-solving policing, and more community engagement. These changes aim to address the specific issues in each hot spot by using data-driven and community-informed solutions.
The success of the CORE Strategy demonstrates the crucial role of community partnerships in driving positive change. The OPS remains committed to the ongoing evaluation, refinement, and expansion of these initiatives to further enhance public safety in downtown Ottawa.
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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.
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