New Ottawa Police Chief lays out vision at first board meeting

Sloly, who was named to the position in August after Charles Bordeleau retired in May, gave the usual Chief’s update to the Board and laid out his priorities in the months and years to come.

A focus on community policing was a top priority, making “meaningful” progress on equity and diversity, supporting rank-and-file members and modernizing the force, he told the board.

Sloly's first half-year in the job will require “relentless focus on people and partnerships,” which he said was partly based on Ottawa’s unique geographic size, with the majority of officers living within City limits.

This is in contrast to Toronto, where Sloly worked for 27-years, where he said the vast majority of members lived outside city limits.

“This creates a unique dynamic, where our members have a lot of ‘skin in the game,’ which can translate into a greater personal and professional commitment to serve and safeguard the city where they live, work and play,” he said.

This is where he sees the large focus on community policing being most effective, as well as allowing officers to gain the trust and respect of “our most marginalized and victimized communities.”

Officers, along with their supervisors, civilians and managers also need to be supported, according to Sloly, as they do most of the “heavy lifting” for the police service.

“It will be critically important to help the OPS membership to feel more engaged, valued and empowered in order for them to deliver the highest quality police service to the community,” he said.

This includes a stronger focus on wellness and proper supports, according to Sloly, “so no one feels isolated or alone.”

The mention and focus on mental health was particularly poignant given a moment of silence was held to start the board meeting in honour of Cst. Thomas Roberts, who died by suicide at Police Headquarters on Elgin Street last month.

Sloly said work was needed to “erase the stigma in policing that asking for help is a sign of weakness.”

Sloly spoke to reporters after the meeting and said he believes some issues need addressing through “difficult” or “courageous” conversations, not through leaks in the media and public squabbling, but was “excited about the challenges ahead.”

“The expectation may be great within the city, it may be great within the service but it’s also great within me,” he said, adding the City of Ottawa and the police service have always been rated at the top of his list.

He spent his first day being sworn in before officers took their daily shift then briefings and media interviews, but what stood out most was his morning stop at Tim Horton’s on Saint Patrick Street, where he got his first coffee and donut.

Sloly said a young woman going through mental health and addiction issues had been sitting out front and didn’t look much older than his 13-year-old daughter.

“I went back in the store and picked up a warm muffin and shared it with her,” Sloly said, noting this would be something officers would deal with on a daily basis, minimizing his day of work.

“I will tell you no doubt my officers went out today and had to deal with the challenges of mental health, addictions, victimization of vulnerable people and they had to deal with much more complex situations.”

On top of being supportive of the vulnerable and marginalized, Sloly added proper supports for members are key, as they deal with tough situations everyday.

On the issue of gun violence, Sloly said a recent rise the past few years is “a cause for concern” but strides have been made this year and he expected community policing to aid in curbing that problem, along with other strategies that need to be explored.

“We will spend a lot more time and investment on crime prevention as part of an overall strategy to improve safety in the city,” he said.

“We’ll be leading in some places and part of a team in other places.”

Mayor Jim Watson was also sworn in to the Police Services Board Monday after Chair and Councillor Diane Deans took medical leave earlier this month to battle ovarian cancer.

He congratulated Sloly and said he heard great things about his tenure in Toronto.

“I can see how you are and have connected with the officers you’ve met so far and we certainly look forward to working with you,” Watson said.

Deans also tweeted her support and welcome to Sloly.

Sloly and members of the Board also thanked Steve Bell, who was also present at the meeting and served as Interim Chief from May until this week.