Ottawa's school board to evaluate ties with local police department
In the heart of Ontario, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is looking into its relationship with the local police force, following a potential legislative change that could necessitate a greater police presence in schools.
Trustee Donna Blackburn put forth a motion on Tuesday evening, urging the board's staff to prepare a report detailing the current state of the OCDSB's connection with the Ottawa Police Service, with a focus on establishing practices that allow for police support in schools.
After a vigorous debate, the trustees vote was a close one, with 7-5 in favor of moving forward with Blackburn's motion, despite concerns over resources and the need for more consultations with underserved communities. The staff has been tasked with presenting a report by no later than September 30th.
It's important to note that the OCDSB previously decided to phase out the School Resource Officer Program in 2021, opting instead for an "emergency response-based relationship" with the police. In response, the Ottawa Police Service introduced a new program – the Community Youth Officers – designed to bolster resources and support for schools and offer proactive engagement between officers and students.
Recently, the Ontario government unveiled a new piece of legislation, the Supporting Children and Students Act, which includes a provision mandating school boards to implement School Resource Officer programs where they are available from local police services.
While specifics about the current relationship between the OCDSB and the Ottawa Police Service, in light of these developments, haven't been disclosed yet, it's clear that this topic is under review and potentially poised for change. It's worth mentioning that the ongoing integration of police officers into schools has been a debate point across Ontario, with criticism suggesting these programs disproportionately affect marginalized students and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. As always, the focus remains on fostering safe, supportive environments for all students.
- In the context of the Supporting Children and Students Act, which includes a provision for School Resource Officer programs, the ongoing relationship between the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Police Service is under review, with the board tasked to prepare a report focusing on police support in schools.
- The debate over police presence in schools has gained momentum in Ontario, with concerns raised about the potential impact on education-and-self-development, news, and politics, as marginalized students may be disproportionately affected and general-news shows ongoing discussion about the school-to-prison pipeline.
