OTTAWA – The Ottawa Police Services (OPS) needs a new chief and is recruiting you to help in the search.

“The OPS board has commenced its national search for a new chief of police and wants to hear first from the community on what it should be looking for in an ideal candidate,” OPS staff released in a statement today (May 21). “Starting today, community members can provide their feedback through an online survey on what they believe are the issues and challenges facing the Ottawa Police Service; the top priorities for the next Chief of Police; and the required attributes, skills, and experience needed to be successful in the role. The survey is being launched in collaboration with the executive search firm conducting the recruitment, Odgers Berndtson.”

The survey can be accessed from the following link, and will remain open until Friday, June 7, at 4 p.m.

The board will also be hosting a community town hall to gather feedback from those who would rather provide their comments in person on Wednesday, June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the St. Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave.

To register for the town hall, click here.

“Once the board has collected feedback from the community, stakeholders, and partners, it will be using this information to refine the job description and inform its selection going forward,” OPS staff said. “The board is aiming to open the competition to candidates in late June.”

“With nearly half of our board membership new this term, one of our first priorities has been to ensure that we have a thorough understanding of the needs of the organization, its members, and the communities we serve,” stated chair Diane Deans. “It is in the best interest of both the citizens and the Ottawa Police members that we take the time to find the right leader, and that’s why the Board felt it was extremely important to provide ample time for consultation.”

The OPS board is the civilian body responsible for governing the Ottawa Police Service.  It is responsible for ensuring the provision of adequate and effective police services to the City of Ottawa’s residents.