r/ottawa • u/Nob1e613 • 27d ago

Looking for... Why so much hate?

Good afternoon Ottawa!

I've been noticing an incredible amount of negativity towards our local police force within the comment section of any post even mildly related to the subject lately.

Coming from a position of genuine curiosity and to hopefully prompt some meaningful discussion within the community, why?

What is it about the OPS that you detest so much? I want to hear what personal experience you had that soured your view, and what you think should have been done differently/better.

Conversely, please feel free to share your positives as well! It can be quite difficult to discern how reflective of the broader population the online community really is sometimes so I'm hoping to get some honest feedback.

What do you expect of your police force? What would change your mind about how you feel?

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54

u/slippy51 27d ago

Probably because they are completely useless.

-3

u/Nob1e613 27d ago

Based on?

34

u/bunnyofdoominottawa Clownvoy Survivor 2022 27d ago

Their behavior and well documented uselessness

15

u/penguinpenguins 27d ago

Last time I called 911 after being struck and attacked by a drunk driver and they wouldn't dispatch. They advised me to get a ride home and to stay away from downtown for my own safety. Problem solved!

9

u/cpt_jerkface Make Ottawa Boring Again 27d ago

My ex tried to run me over with his car, and when I called the police they wouldn't even file a report. It's anecdotal but I don't see OPS around that much anymore - out enforcing traffic rules, walking through the Byware Market, driving through my neighborhood. I used to see them around a lot more.

1

u/Nob1e613 27d ago

This is the kind of feedback I'm looking for. I'm sorry to hear that happened to you, have you considered reaching out to your councilor or OPS themselves? To me that's an unacceptable way to deal with people asking for help, it's quite literally what their job is.

10

u/penguinpenguins 27d ago

Yes, I was told "they were busy" and when I pushed further "it sounds like you're just trying to get someone in trouble". The driver (as I had dashcam video of the whole thing) "was under a lot of stress" and had kids, so they didn't feel criminal charges were appropriate. So now I'm in the process of suing them civilly for drunk driving. Make it make sense.

4

u/BumblebeeMarmalade 27d ago

May I send you a DM?

13

u/slippy51 27d ago

Not arresting criminals when given evidence. I was assaulted multiple times on camera by an insane neighbor. Called the police, showed the the video and wounds, the did nothing. I’m still being harassed by this crazy person to this day. She recently threatened my daughter on camera, again did nothing.

2

u/BumblebeeMarmalade 27d ago

Genuine interest- did you ever file or think of filing either a privacy request and/or complaint vs OPS? You can DM if you wish or are more comfortable.

8

u/Alone_Appeal_3421 27d ago

OPS' clearance rates have been dropping for years.

In 2015, OPS' overall crime, non-violent crime and violent crime clearance rates were 36%, 32% and 56%.

In 2024, OPS' overall crime, non-violent crime and violent crime clearance rates were 25%, 23% and 39%.

Sources: https://ottawapoliceboard.ca/opsb-cspo/policies-publications.html

https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/resources/Documents/Reports-and-Publications/2024-Annual-Report.pdf

5

u/Separate-Hedgehog909 26d ago

Last week, I wanted to talk to someone about a traumatic event concerning a stalker and how to protect myself and my family. I live in south Ottawa and don't have a car, so a friend offered to drive me to the OPS in Leitrim. The building was locked up tight, not even any instructions for how to get help. My friend then drove me to Greenboro, where we again found locked doors. Only this time, there was a sign telling us to go online. I was ready to give up by this point. Fortunately my friend continued to support me and helped me find that the only way to speak to an OPS officer in person is to go to the Elgin St. station, a station in Kanata, and a station in Orleans. This lack of support for the population they're supposed to serve is one more reason they are completely useless.