Wednesday 18 September 2024.
Recent reports show a growing sense of alienation between Ottawa’s Somali community and the Ottawa Police Service. A case in point is a lawsuit launched recently by three Somali-born police officers accused the OPS of unlawfully wiretapping their phones, links
Ottawa police accused of wiretapping, surveilling Somali officers | Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa’s Somali community decries police wiretap allegations | Ottawa Citizen
Below is a release from the Ottawa Somali community on this matter, sent to Black Ottawa Scene:
Community Statement on Allegations of Racism and Misuse of Authority by the
Ottawa Police Service
We, the Ottawa Somali community, express our profound concern and
condemnation regarding the recent allegations against the Ottawa Police Service
(OPS), as reported in the media. We are deeply shocked and dismayed to learn of the
OPS’s alleged discriminatory surveillance and harassment of Somali officers and their
families. Such actions are deeply troubling, and we demand immediate and
comprehensive action.
The allegations that OPS surveilled these officers based on racial stereotypes and
personal biases are not only alarming but indicative of a pervasive systemic issue within
the force. It is unacceptable that individuals recruited to mend the OPS’s strained
relationship with marginalized communities are now facing racial slurs, backlash, and
invasion of their privacy. These actions represent a grave misuse of authority and a
betrayal of the values the OPS claims to uphold.
It is deeply troubling to learn that taxpayer dollars have been squandered through
misuse and misallocation, with funds directed towards vilifying these Somali police
officers rather than enhancing public safety. This misuse of resources is not only a
betrayal of our community’s trust but also a failure to uphold the fundamental duty of the
Ottawa Police Service.
Moreover, the surveillance of the officers’ families represents a severe breach of privacy
and an egregious misuse of power. The resulting fear and mistrust experienced by
these families are unacceptable and reflect a deep-seated problem within the OPS that
extends beyond individual misconduct to systemic failings.
As the largest Black community in Ottawa and a significant stakeholder in the Ottawa
Police Service, the Somali community, has made numerous efforts over the years to
address our concerns directly with the police. Regrettably, these efforts have been met
with inaction. Our safety has not been adequately addressed, leading to a deep erosion
of our trust and confidence in the police.
We are law-abiding citizens who have been subjected to systemic issues that demand
the Ottawa Police’s attention and action to ensure our safety and security. Instead of
addressing these pressing concerns, we were shocked and dismayed to discover that
the Ottawa Police chose to criminalize and investigate the very Somali officers who
were entrusted with bridging the gap between our community and the police.
The trust of our community in law enforcement is built on the expectation of fair,
equitable, and impartial policing. The allegations that OPS has not only tolerated but
perpetuated a culture of racism and discrimination seriously undermine this trust and
call into question the integrity of the entire force. The reported retaliation against officers
who advocated for anti-racism and their subsequent marginalization is especially
disturbing. This behavior fails these officers and erodes the broader
community’s confidence in the OPS’s ability to serve and protect the community.
We urgently call for immediate and decisive action. It is crucial that the OPS undergo a
transparent, independent investigation into these allegations, with clear accountability
for any misconduct identified. We demand that reforms be implemented to ensure that
all officers, regardless of race, are treated with respect and fairness, and their rights
are upheld.
Our community deserves a police force that is genuinely committed to service, equity,
and the protection of all its members. We stand united in demanding that the OPS and
the Ottawa Police Board take concrete and effective steps to rebuild trust and
demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing and eradicating racism, starting with
the highest levels of leadership.
Thank you.
The Ottawa Somali Community
Black Ottawa Scene reached out to Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs who sent the following comment:
Friday 20 September 2024
We acknowledge community concerns regarding the recent media articles related to the Statement of Claim filed by five Ottawa Police officers and three members of the community. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, we are unable to discuss the specific details currently before the courts.
The Ottawa Police Service remains deeply committed to upholding human rights and ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations — both for our police members and for the communities we serve. We are actively working to implement the new district model along with our Diversity, Respect, Inclusion., Values, Equity, and Engagement (DRIVE2) Strategy that outlines thirty partnership projects to improve the work environment, public safety, and community trust.
Combating anti-Black racism is part of our intersectional approach for several new initiatives, including the Use of Force Community Review Panel, the Race and Identity-Based Data Collection Task Force, and partnerships with Ottawa’s Guiding Council on Mental Health and Addictions. We are also providing anti-Black racism training and working on a hate crime awareness campaign. The Community Equity Council has created several dedicated committees to build relationships through open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
I am encouraged by the willingness within the community to work together, and we look forward to building a path toward meaningful and lasting change.
I sincerely welcome Ottawa’s Black communities to continue contacting me to provide feedback and get involved in taking action together. Community members can also provide feedback and get more involved in the DRIVE2 Strategy action items by visiting the Community Equity Council at www.opscommunityequitycouncil.com, www.ottawapolice.ca/DRIVETWO, or by contacting the Diversity, Resource and Relations Unit at [email protected].
Eric Stubbs