Ottawa police laid several charges against more than a dozen people after focusing on two areas of the city in a week.
According to a release from officials, from Sept. 21 to 27, officers were patrolling and addressing concerns in Chinatown and Centretown. The initiative involved several neighbourhood-focused units who were doing community outreach.
Officers were speaking with residents, business owners and people along Bank and Somerset streets.
As a result, 23 people were arrested and are facing charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and assault of police.
One was issued a trespass offence and a stolen bike was found, the release reads.
“Project Fall Out reflects the Ottawa Police Service’s continued focus on combining targeted enforcement with community-based policing to address neighbourhood concerns, enhance public safety and strengthen relationships with the communities we serve,” the release notes.
This is one of several initiatives Ottawa police have been carrying out in this portion of the nation’s capital.
Earlier in September, police laid dozens of charges in relation to drugs, weapons and a theft after they conducted another enforcement project in Centretown.
Over the last several weeks, police have taken on what they call a “coordinated enforcement initiative” that addresses safety concerns like open drug and alcohol use and disorderly behaviour.
“This enforcement initiative contributed to restoring public order in several identified hotspots and demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in addressing chronic neighbourhood concerns,” the press release reads.
On Sept. 2, officers, with City of Ottawa agencies went to the “hotspots” including areas along Booth Street, Somerset Street, Bank Street, and Cooper Street. They were walking down streets and speaking to residents and businesses to conduct investigations and identify people who contributed to “ongoing disorder.”
Police also noted they are working with city staff to address what they call the “broader quality-of-life issues affecting the neighbourhood.”
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