Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday, 0830 – 1630
The availability of in-person appointments can be accommodated by scheduling in advance.
We understand that our organization has not always felt safe and equitable to all of our members, and that we must work to regain your trust. The OPS is taking direct action to address violence, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. The WIO is one of several priority initiatives that will make real and sustainable change in our workplace, which in turn, will enable us to better serve our community.
By participating in the WIO complaint process when you experience or witness incidents of violence, harassment, and/or discrimination involving OPS members, you are helping to build a caring culture, and a culture of safety for all members.
About the Workplace Investigations Office
The Workplace Investigations Office (WIO) is part of the new Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Safe Workplace Program, a program that is Sustainable, Accessible, Fair and Effective (SAFE), which aims to champions a professional policing culture at OPS, thriving with diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Safe Workplace Program Overview
The Safe Workplace Program exists to promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace culture for every employee of the Ottawa Police Service.
In order to make the OPS a safe workplace for everyone, we are:
- implementing thorough, independent investigations of all reported allegations of workplace discrimination and harassment
- providing mental health support to our members
- improving mandatory training to address workplace harassment and violence, diversity, inclusion, and bystander intervention
- ensuring promotions and career development are merit-based
- protecting members against reprisal
- upholding the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code
The Program is focused on addressing the needs of individuals who are experiencing or have experienced all forms of harassment and violence, harassment and discrimination. We will also work to address intersectional issues such as racism, gender-based discrimination, and homophobia through training, protocols, and policies.
The work is coordinated across key stakeholders, such as:
- Labour Relations
- Professional Standards Unit
- Legal Services
- Workplace Conflict Resolution Unit
- Health, Safety and Wellness
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Our strategy builds on the findings of several previous projects, including the Gender Audit, the Diversity Audit, and a review conducted by Rubin Thomlinson LLP (RT). The RT report identified many unacceptable workplace issues, including systemic misogyny, racism, discrimination, harassment and bullying. Our strategy addresses all 18 of the RT report recommendations.
Our approach will see improvements to the workplace under our five Program pillars: understand, prevent, support, respond and restore.
SAFE WORKPLACE PROGRAM
COMPLAINT PROCESS:
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Safe Workplace Program, get in touch with Program Manager, Christina Granholm at granholmc@ottawapolice.ca
How Can the Workplace Conflict Resolution (WCR) Unit Help?
We know it is not easy to come forward, and we know it is hard to know where to start and then tell your story.
We have created a Helpline for members to call if they are concerned about conflict issues or ethical concerns in the workplace. We have a voicemail that a WCR Unit team member checks each business day. If you wish to leave your contact information, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you want to remain anonymous, please feel free to leave your concerns or information on the voicemail, and someone will listen.
613-236-1222 x 8130
You are always in the driver’s seat. The WCR Unit is an internal and confidential resource that can offer you whatever assistance you need. We are here to consult, listen and assist.
The Workplace Investigations Office is located at:
19 Fairmont Ave.
You can file a complaint to the Workplace Investigations office by:
safeworkplaceprogram@ottawapolice.ca
or by calling 613-784-9706
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday from 0830 – 1630
The availability of after-hours appointments can be accommodated by scheduling in advance.