How Ottawa Police Turn Minor Offences into Opportunities for Change

The Ottawa Police Service’s Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit is transforming the way the city approaches minor offences.

Launched formally in November 2023 after a successful pilot, the APCD Unit offers eligible individuals charged with minor offences, deemed by the Ministry of the Attorney General, routes toward rehabilitation and support rather than criminal charges.

Officers identify qualifying cases and submit them to the Unit, which then refers them to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa for their consideration.

As Acting Sergeant Ryan McEachran explains, ‘It's about the human element and risk factors behind a crime. Maybe someone stole food from the grocery store—rather than just arrest, charge, we look further: Why did they do that? What's going on in their life?’ How can we help?”

Since its pilot inception in 2023, APCD has processed approximately 538 subjects, achieving a 78% success rate for program completions. That success translates into real outcomes for victims as well—about $25,000 in restitution has already been facilitated, with another $21,000 expected in 2025. As of this year alone, 134 files have been actioned by the Unit, with 104 referred to Elizabeth Fry for diversion programming, 28 successfully completed, and 76 still underway.

This careful assessment by APCD Constables Kim Yeldon and Derek Van Zutphen not only considers the offender's background but also addresses the victim's needs, embedding the program within Ottawa’s broader Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

The eligibility criteria has expanded to include more low-level offences often tied to socio-economic pressures—cases where social support can break the cycle of reoffending. This streamlined, virtual process also saves officers time to focus more on crime prevention and community engagement.

For those who take part, the program can be life-changing.

“I was going through a really hard time and did something that broke the law,” a participant explained. “OPS literally saved my life instead of putting me in jail or giving me a criminal record. They put me through this program where I finally got the help I had been needing for five years… I can’t thank OPS enough for opening this door for me and allowing me to get back to the person I was.”

This program ensures offenders are held accountable for their action through alternative means rather than the traditional means of the criminal justice system.