Defund the OPS & seek better, community led alternatives

The OPS, like all police forces, is a gross display and reminder of the atrocities that riddle this countries history. The police are an unnecessary danger to the community.

In what world is it necessary that someone who is armed with a loaded weapon be responsible for conducting a traffic stop, or a mental health check up? Police in general are a terrifying presence in any situation, their presence serves to irritate and make the general public (especially our BIPOC & LGBTQ2S+ community) feel unsafe & at risk in their own hones, neighbourhoods, etc... Ottawa needs to fund community led initiatives in a concentrated effort to defund the OPS in order to ensure safety and peace of mind for our marginalized communities. We are not exempt from racial profiling and cases of police brutality in this city and defunding the OPS is a great first step in abolishing all police presence inOttawa in favour if community led programs and initiatives.

Working in the ByWard Market, I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with police in varying capacities. Most recently it was when I had to give a statement after witnessing a violent crime, the police officers, instead of helping bystanders who witnessed a traumatic incident, used it as an opportunity to push a pro-cop narrative. Statements such as “See, this is what happens and they want us to get less money.” or “if they defund us who will come save people in situations like these?”

This goes to show how members of the OPS ultimately view themselves as saviours, as holier than thou and will use their status as an officer to intimidate, demean, and engage in fear mongering among those they are sworn to serve and protect.

Defund the OPS, the community will never be safe if the police are trusted to protect and serve. Invest in community led initiatives and engage with BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ community members to address the needs and concerns of our most marginalized and at risk communities, with respect to police violence, directly.