Lowertown Foot Patrol Project has begun

This summer, Ottawa Police Lowertown Foot Patrol Project is back in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street area and continues to see success and make a difference for the people who live, work and visit the area.

An increased number of police officers, in partnership with Bylaw Enforcement Officers and OC Transpo Special Constables have been walking the beat since July 2, 2015, enforcing various bylaws and criminal and provincial offences.

“This is the third year we have committed foot patrol officers during the summer to work in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street area,” said Central District Acting Inspector Mike Laviolette.

The two-month project was launched in 2013 as part of an ongoing effort to deal with community identified problems and related issues. It is concentrated in areas that draw repeated calls for service and frequent complaints from the public, business owners and residents.

In the first 2 weeks of the 2014 project, officers responded to 138 calls for service and laid 272 charges that included Bylaw infractions; Provincial Offences including trespassing, aggressive panhandling, and public intoxication; and 48 Criminal charges including drug possession, possession of stolen property, causing a disturbance and breaching judicial conditions.

The project officers also apprehended individuals wanted on warrants, located a missing person and assisted patrol officers in the area.

“The Lowertown Foot Patrol team proactively engages citizens, tourists and businesses in the area and focuses on known community concerns and areas with increased calls for police service,” added A/Insp. Laviolette “The impact seen by businesses, resident and tourists alike can be attributed in part to the efforts of the Foot Patrol Team”

The team will be in place until September 1, 2015.