REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
POLICE SERVICES BOARD
PUBLIC AGENDA

Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 9:00 A.m. - 10:00 A.m.

Niagara Regional Police Service - Headquarters

Community Room 1st Floor, 5700 Valley Way, Niagara Falls

To view the live-stream meeting proceedings, please visit

https://calendar.niagarapolice.ca/meetings 

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

2.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

3.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT/PECUNIARY INTEREST

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

4.1

Minutes of the Public Board Meeting held Thursday, February 23, 2023

• That the Minutes of the Public Board Meeting held Thursday, February 23, 2023 be adopted as circulated.

5.

REPORTS FROM BOARD CHAIR

6.

REPORTS FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE

7.

PRESENTATIONS

7.1

Crime Stoppers Niagara

Crime Stoppers of Niagara Board President Ernie Sibbett and Board Secretary Jason Snyder will provide a presentation on the Crime Stoppers program, which is a citizen, media and police co-operative program designed to involve the community in the fight against crime and encourage the public to anonymously assist law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and conviction of criminals.

• That the presentation be received.

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

8.1

Niagara Region - Appointment of Public Member to the Niagara Police Services Board

Correspondence dated February 24, 2023 from Ann-Marie Norio, Regional Clerk, Niagara Region, advising of the resolution passed at the Regional Council meeting held February 23, 2023 respecting the appointment of Nyarayi Kapisavanhu as the Community Member to the Niagara Police Services Board.

8.2

Short Hills Provincial Park - 2022 First Nations Deer Harvest Associated Costs

Service report dated February 9, 2023 advising the Board of the policing activities and associated costs of the 2022 First Nations Deer Harvest held at Short Hills Provincial Park in St. Catharines, Ontario, on October 12 and 25; November 5 and 23; and December 3 and 14, 2022, which accrued 20 hours of on duty officer time and a further 332 hours of overtime, resulting with a cost to the NRPS at an estimated total of $26,818.13.

8.3

Quarterly Report - Overtime Incurred by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) - October 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated March 3, 2023 providing the Board with a five-year uniform and civilian quarterly and year-to-date overtime trend analysis to include summaries of the overtime hours by activity category, which continues to be predominantly driven by the need to meet minimum staffing requirements and major investigation events. 

8.4

Annual Report - Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Tuck Shop - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated February 27, 2023 informing the Board that net proceeds in the amount of $779.80 have been received from the sale of the NRPS Souvenir and Display Sales Program for the year 2022, and that those funds have been transferred to the Board's Special Fund Account.

8.5

Annual Report - Accessibility Standards & Accessibility Standards for Customer Service - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated March 2, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Laws 366-2017 and 367-2017.

8.6

Annual Report - Child Abuse and Neglect - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated February 8, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 219-2000.

8.7

Annual Report - Child Pornography (Internet Child Exploitation) Investigations - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated February 16, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 333-2013.

8.8

Annual Report - Illegal Gaming - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated March 2, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 224-2000.

8.9

Annual Report - Marine Unit - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated February 16, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 227-2000.

8.10

Annual Report - Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated February 24, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 395-2022.

8.11

Annual Report - Parental and Non-Parental Abductions and Attempts - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated February 16, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 295-2010.

8.12

Annual Report - Police Action at Labour Disputes - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated March 7, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 240-2000.

8.13

Annual Report - Sudden Death and Found Human Remains - January 1 to December 3, 2022

Service report dated February 16, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 229-2000.

8.14

Annual Report - Underwater Search and Recovery - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated February 16, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 273-2005. 

8.15

Annual Report - Vehicle Theft - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated March 2, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 235-2000.

8.16

Annual Report - Witness Protection - January 1 to December 31, 2022

Service report dated March 2, 2023 submitted in accordance to the annual reporting requirements set out in Board By-Law 210-2000.

• That the information be received.

9.

NEW BUSINESS

9.1

Police Services Board - 2023 Committee Representation

Report dated March 1, 2023 from Deb Reid, Executive Director, Niagara Police Services Board, requesting the Board confirm the mandate and membership of Board Committees for 2023.

• That the Board approve the Committee mandate as outlined in this report and confirm its Committee membership for 2023.

9.2

Ontario Police Video Training Alliance (OPVTA) - 2023 Business Plan

Service report dated March 3, 2023 requesting the Board approve the 2023 OPVTA Business Plan, which reinforces both the NRPS and Board's commitment to public safety and organizational excellence through the continuance of developing and distributing police learning materials to over 25,000 police officers representing 76 member agencies. 

• That the Board approve the 2023 Ontario Police Video Training Alliance (OPVTA) Business Plan as outlined in the report.

9.3

Special Fund Request - Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB) - Annual General Meeting and Spring Conference

Correspondence dated March 16, 2023 from Deb Reid, Executive Director, Niagara Police Services Board, requesting the Board consider a donation to support the opening reception at the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB) 2023 Annual General Meeting and Spring Conference, being held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, from May 30 to June 1, 2023.

• That the Board authorize a donation in the amount of $5,000.00 from the Special Fund to the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB) in support of the opening reception at its 2023 Annual General Meeting and Spring Conference. 

9.4

Special Fund Request – Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) - Annual Awards Banquet

Service dated March 2, 2023 requesting the Board approve a donation to help offset the costs of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) Annual Awards Banquet in support of the Board's commitment to the importance of police training and encouragement for women to consider a career and policing. (Previous donation: 2019 - $250.)

• That the Board approve a donation in the amount of $500.00 from the Special Fund in support of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) Annual Awards Banquet.

9.5

Special Fund Request - Canadian American Law Enforcement Organization (CALEO) Training Symposium

Service report dated March 8, 2023 requesting financial support for the 27th Annual CALEO Training Symposium being held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, from April 26-28, 2023, for members of law enforcement agencies in both Canada and the United States. Funds raised will assist CALEO with offsetting costs relating to audio/video equipment for presentations, guest speaker transportation, accommodations, and meals. (Previous donations: 2008-2019 - $250.)

• That the Board approve a donation in the amount of $300.00 from the Special Fund to assist with operating costs at the Canadian American Law Enforcement Organization (CALEO) Annual Training Symposium. 

9.6

Special Fund Request - Family and Children Services (FACS) Fundraiser Gala

Service report dated March 6, 2023 requesting the Board approve a donation for the purchase of a corporate table at the Family and Children Services (FACS) Fundraising Gala being held at John Michael’s Banquet Hall in Thorold, Ontario, on April 21, 2023. Funds raised at the event will contribute to helping children in need of protection. (This is a first time donation request.)

• That the Board approve a donation in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Special Fund for the purchase of a corporate table at the Annual Family and Children Services (FACS) Charity Gala.

9.7

Special Fund Request - Niagara Chapter of Native Women (NCNW)  - Fundraising Event 

Service report dated March 15, 2023 requesting the Board approve sponsorship to the Niagara Chapter of Native Women in support of the "Blockers and Attackers" fundraising event being held on April 14, 2023, to inspire the next generation of Indigenous women athletes, while advocating for health and wellness in both their own communities and across Turtle Island. Funds raised at the event will assist with the continuance of critical programs and services for Indigenous women and families. (Previous donation: 2022 - $500.) 

• That the Board authorize a donation at the "Moccasins" sponsorship level in the amount of $500.00 from the Special Fund to the Niagara Chapter of Native Women in support of the "Blockers and Attackers" fundraising event.

9.8

Special Fund Request - Pathstone Hope Gala

Service report dated March 6, 2023 requesting the Board approve a donation for the purchase of a corporate table at Pathstone Foundation’s 2023 Hope Gala on November 3, 2023, at the Fallsview Casino Resort’s Grand Ballroom.  Funds raised at the event will support the various services provided by the Pathstone Foundation as well as to help reduce the wait list, support research, and strengthen a child’s experience at Pathstone. (Previous donations:  2014-2018 - $2,500; 2019 - $3,000.)

• That the Board approve a donation in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Special Fund to cover the cost of a corporate table at the Pathstone Foundation's Annual Hope Gala event.

9.9

Special Fund Request - Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Bicycle Registry Program

Service report dated March 8, 2023 requesting the Board approve a donation for the purchase of 2,000 Project 529 Garage Shields to maintain and expand the NRPS Bicycle Registry Program, partnered with Project 529 Garage, that was initiated in 2022. (Previous donation: 2021 - $5,800.)

• That the approve a donation in the amount of $6,320.00 from the Special Fund for the purchase of 2,000 Project 529 Garage Shields in support of the crime prevention tool of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Bicycle Registry.

9.10

Special Fund Request - Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Tug of War Teams

Service report dated March 3, 2023 requesting the Board approve a donation to help offset expenses incurred by the members of the Niagara Regional Police Service participating in the annual Tug of War cross border competition being held May 13, 2023 on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. (Previous donations: 2004-$250, 2005-$300, 2006-$250; 2007-2009-$300; 2010-2018-$500; 2019-$1,000; 2020-$1,400.)

• That the Board authorize a donation in the amount of $1,400.00 from the Special Fund to the NRPS Men's and Women's teams competing in the annual Tug-of-War competition.

10.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

11.

IN CAMERA REPORTS

11.1

Special Investigations Unit - Case 22-OCI-038 - Incident of February 9, 2022

Service report dated February 2, 2023 advising that the SIU concluded their investigation in this matter and found no grounds for criminal charges against any police officer, and also advising that in compliance with S. 32 of Ontario Regulation 268/10 made under the Police Services Act, the Service completed its review and investigation into this matter and concluded that there are no identified policy/service/officer conduct issues.

11.2

Special Investigations Unit - Case 22-OCI-044 - Incident of February 15, 2022

Service report dated February 1, 2023 advising that the SIU concluded their investigation in this matter and found no grounds for criminal charges against any police officer, and also advising that in compliance with S. 32 of Ontario Regulation 268/10 made under the Police Services Act, the Service completed its review and investigation into this matter and concluded that there are no identified policy/service/officer conduct issues.

• That, in accordance with Board direction, the above noted In Camera reports be received for public information. 

12.

ADJOURNMENT

The Police Services Board will adjourn the public portion of the meeting and reconvene in-camera for consideration of confidential matters pursuant to Section 35(4) of the Police Services Act.