Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs will provide a public update on steps taken to address gender-based violence and sexual violence within the force, the Ottawa Police Service Board has announced, following a recent string of reports of misconduct by members of the force.
The board held a special in camera meeting with Chief Stubbs and his top brass on Monday to discuss the recent reports of gender-based misconduct, sexual violence and intimate partner violence involving members of the Ottawa Police Service.
In a media release Wednesday, the board said it had discussed the seriousness of these matters with Stubbs and said he would provide a public update on how the force is responding to these allegations at the board’s next regular meeting on June 22.
“This update will include steps being taken to strengthen prevention, reporting, accountability, member support, workplace culture, and public trust,” the release said.
A string of reports of serious misconduct by members of the force have emerged this month, including that an Ottawa police sergeant who died by suicide in March was accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct by college students he’d been instructing.
In a separate case of alleged intimate partner violence, an officer was charged with assault, criminal harassment, and the improper use of a police-issued gun.
Two other Ottawa police officers meanwhile are facing disciplinary action in relation to making unauthorized and improper searches of women in police databases.
Finally, the president of the Ottawa police union Matthew Cox has been accused of sexual assault dating back to 2008.
While the board would not get involved with investigating or adjudicating these cases, in its meeting with Stubbs, the board “made it clear that sexual harassment, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and gender-based misconduct are unacceptable and have profound impacts on survivors, workplaces, and communities.”
It continued: “The recent reports of misconduct are distinct matters that must proceed through their own established accountability processes.
“Depending on the circumstances, those processes may include independent criminal investigations, statutory oversight bodies, or internal workplace and professional conduct mechanisms.”
Community members and organizations wishing to share perspectives to help inform the board’s oversight are invited to do so through its hearing delegation process at upcoming meetings.