Fights, traffic stops and alcohol: Police recap ByWard Market enforcement

Police are targeting the downtown core for safety enforcement and released the results of what officers have done in the last two weekends.

According to a press release by Ottawa police, there have been a number of incidents that officers have responded to, a medical distress situation and several charges laid.

This program increases in the summer months and offers more policing within the ByWard Market and downtown Rideau Street area. Police team up with neighbourhood resource team officers, the Gaming Commission of Ontario, OC Transpo, and the City of Ottawa’s By-law and Regulatory Services.

The initiative targets disorderly behaviour, criminal activity and aggressive panhandling, which “can negatively affect the experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Results from August 1–2

• 47 alcohol interventions
• 37 business safety inspections
• 32 By-law infractions
• 7 traffic stops
• 1 arrest
• Assisted a child in medical distress

Results – August 8–9

• 58 By-law infractions
• 30 alcohol interventions
• 21 business safety inspections
• 7 provincial offence notices
• 5 traffic stops
• Notable incidents:
  • 3 fights broken up
  • 1 bicycle theft prevented
  • 1 elderly person escorted home
  • 1 person assisted to their rideshare
• Assisted OPS and City partners in multiple calls