Pubdate: Tue, 26 Jun 2012
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Charles Bordeleau
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor

THE CHIEF SPEAKS

Contrary to Ron Corbett's column "Market clean-up effort futile", June
25, the Ottawa Police Service is strongly aware of the complex nature
of addictions and its social drivers and the continuing need for a
community response to drugs and addiction in Ottawa.

Enforcement measures against street-level drug dealing can provide
relief not only to local residents and businesses but also to addicts,
especially those who are accessing addiction services. We know that 
enforcement measures are only part of the solution to the problems 
affecting areas of the downtown core.

Whether it is through our partnerships with Rideauwood Addiction and
Family Services, the Ottawa Drug Court, or our specialized Street
Crime, Guns and Gangs or Mental Health units, our service is working
every day to bring forward new approaches to issues of social disorder
related to substance abuse.

The front-line officers who patrol these areas are seeking to find
solutions to problems they see every day. That means continuing to
foster strong and productive partnerships with local businesses and
BIAs, residents, shelters, the City of Ottawa and other community
agencies and groups.

Enforcement projects like Firecracker will always be a part of the
solution, but only a part. The true solution to these complex problems
will only come by working together.

Mr. Corbett's surprising words about who gives a "damn" deserve a
response. I can tell you that the community, the residents, the
businesses and the Ottawa Police, including me as Chief, do care
and we are committed to working together to make the Byward Market
and Downtown Rideau Street areas safer and more enjoyable for all.

I hope that you will continue to focus attention and support for
the efforts to combat homelessness and to assist people in our
community to get off drugs.

Chief Charles Bordeleau

Ottawa

(We support these efforts various ways, including constructive
criticism)
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MAP posted-by: Matt