Ottawa police chief to undergo ethics probe over traffic ticket call
Chief Charles Bordeleau denies he influenced outcome of traffic ticket issued to family member
The Ottawa Police Services Board will ask a civilian oversight body to investigate Chief Charles Bordeleau's handling of a traffic ticket that was issued to a member of his family, it was determined Monday.
The board cited media reports detailing that on Jan. 25, 2016, Chief Bordeleau phoned the Provincial Offences Court office to learn the name of the prosecutor assigned to the traffic case.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission will be asked to investigate the claim after the Police Services Board passed a motion on the matter during its regularly scheduled board meeting.
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Chief Bordeleau addressed the claims during the meeting.
"I have in no way influenced the outcome of a ticket issued to my family member. There are clear processes in place to investigate the conduct of a chief of police in Ontario, and I have no concerns about them being followed," he told the board.
During his remarks, Bordeleau also said no member of the police service is above accountability, including himself.
Bordeleau's comments follow a difficult week for the force after the head of the police union accused the police board of failing to oversee top police brass.
On Friday, Ottawa Police Association president Matt Skof called for the board's chairman — Coun. Eli El-Chantiry — to resign.
El-Chantiry has refused to step down.
40 police officers fill meeting
The public rift came the same week the police chief wrote an open letter to the community about the recent spike in what he called drug-related "extreme violence".
That letter prompted veteran Const. Paul Heffler to send an email claiming there were a number of internal issues in the force, including that proactive policing — especially patrol work — had been eroding away.
About 40 police officers turned up to listen to Bordeleau's remarks Monday night.
Several officers told CBC News they were in attendance to show their support for fellow members, including Const. Heffler, and to express their dissatisfaction with the police services board.
Letters sent to mayor, police chief
During his remarks, Chief Bordeleau addressed claims the force is experiencing low morale.
"Morale is a difficult discussion in policing," said Bordeleau. "And we know morale is not where it needs to be. Our members should know that their concerns are being heard, that we know that they need to see more action, and that they be directly engaged in those solutions."
Ahead of Monday night's meeting, a spokesperson in the Mayor's office said it had received upwards of 70 emails over the weekend from police officers in response to last week's events.
After the meeting, Bordeleau said he had also received emails.
"There's no question that they want us … to ensure that we're listening around what their issues are, and there's some frustration there with respect to the board, and those items have to be resolved."