DEFUND THE OPS

Demilitarize and defund the police.

We have seen too many stories of police being called to do “wellness checks”, resulting in the death of the one who needed help. Police bring excessive force and weapons to mental health crises that they aren’t trained to handle.

Police lack the education in social sciences to understand marginalized groups, such as BIPOC or members of the LGBT+ community. I have seen the Ottawa Police Service’s EDI plan for intersectional learning opportunities, but we (the public) do not trust police reforms. It is impossible for one police officer to be especially well-trained in all facets of social issues. The responsibility should be delegated to specialized professionals.

For example, by defunding the police, we can fund mental health professionals and social workers to handle wellness checks.

Defunding the police, and re-investing in community-based services is the best way to make Ottawa a safer place, and improve the well-being of everyone who lives here.