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Community Outreach, Response and Engagement (CORE) Strategy
Developed through extensive consultation with local stakeholders and partners, CORE seeks long-term solutions to improve safety downtown.
CORE Objectives
- Safer Communities
- Less Crime
- Support for vulnerable community members
- Community led solutions
How Does CORE Work?
CORE utilizes evidence-based policing strategies supported by data analytics, academic research, and established policing practices. It adopts a problem-solving approach, working closely with stakeholders to identify crime and safety issues, conduct detailed analyses, and develop sustainable community-led solutions.
Neighbourhood Operations Centre (NOC)
A central element of the CORE strategy is the Neighbourhood Operations Centre (NOC), located at 50 Rideau Street. Fully operational as of June 3, 2024, the NOC serves as a vital coordination hub to enhance police presence and collaborate with local partners. Future expansion of the NOC is planned to offer centralized access to an array of community support services and potentially open its doors to the public.
Located at 50 Rideau Street, the NOC supports downtown revitalization and community safety by enhancing police presence, visibility, and accessibility in the Byward Market and Rideau Street corridor.
Focused efforts
Analysis of OPS data reveals that approximately half of all downtown crime occurs in a few small areas. In direct response to community feedback, CORE is increasing visible police presence in high-priority areas. Increased police visibility not only deters and prevents crime but also enhances safety and provides visible reassurance to the community.
The fact of the matter is that a small number of repeat offenders are responsible for a significant portion of the criminal activity downtown. Some are involved in serious offences, including violent assaults, robberies, and trafficking dangerous substances such as fentanyl. Using OPS Neighbourhood Resource Teams (NRTs), the CORE strategy concentrates police efforts on addressing the actions of these individuals to reduce their impact on community residents, businesses and visitors.
Addressing root causes of low-level crime
The OPS recognizes that many low-level, non-violent crimes are linked to complex issues such as substance use disorders, homelessness, and mental health challenges, where traditional law enforcement and criminal justice solutions are not effective. To address this, the OPS has collaborated closely with over thirty community partners during the past year to develop the Integrated Community Situation Table (ICST).
Tailored support and services for people at risk
Unique in Ottawa, the ICST provides direct support to individuals at heightened risk of harm due to victimization, criminalization, overdose, or mental health crises. The program offers comprehensive wrap-around services, including medical care, addiction treatment, mental health support, legal assistance, and housing options. Focusing resources on supporting individuals in this manner aims to interrupt the need for continued offending and break the cycle of criminalization, thereby reducing crime and enhancing community safety.
Community Advisory Board (CAB)
CORE provides immediate and medium-term solutions for downtown safety and well-being, but long-term systemic issues call for better coordination between all agencies and partners. Recognizing the need for long-term solutions, OPS is forming the Community Advisory Board (CAB) to provide strategic oversight and collaboration across all CORE initiatives. This task force, led by key decision-makers from all sectors, advocates for policy changes and addresses deep-rooted challenges.
Community engagement is at the heart of the CORE Strategy. We recognize the importance of partnering with agencies and organizations that can address the root causes of crime. By fostering partnerships, sharing responsibility, and collaborating on joint initiatives, we can make a difference in improving community safety in Ottawa.