Ottawa's public-school board to discuss relationship with police
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board will discuss the current and future relationship between the city's largest school board and police this evening, as the Ontario government proposes legislation to require officers in schools.
Trustees will vote tonight on a motion from Trustee Donna Blackburn, which calls on staff to prepare a report on the 'current status' of the OCDSB's relationship with the Ottawa Police Service for the fall. The motion also recommends the director of education 'continue to engage' with police to establish 'standards of practice that allow for police support to schools.'
Trustees voted in 2021 to end the School Resource Officer Program, with the board moving to an 'emergency response-based relationship with police.'
In January, the Ottawa Police Service introduced a new program that increases access to resources and supports for schools and provides proactive engagement for officers. According to police, the new Community Youth Officers program includes:
Dedicated support: Schools now have direct access to Community Unit Officers.
Proactive Engagement: Police say Community Youth Unit officers will provide guidance, build relationships with students and staff, and support initiatives such as educational presentations and lockdown practices
Streamlined Communications: Clearly defined reporting protocols to 'ensure efficient coordination between school and OPS,' police say.
Last week, the Ontario government introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act, which includes requiring school boards to implement School Resource Officer programs where they are offered by local police services.
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