Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Unit

The Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit looks to redirect those individuals charged with minor offences away from the criminal justice system and towards programs and support services.

If an officer comes across an individual who may be eligible for the program, they will connect them with social services or public health services through the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. These service providers work together to provide supports and services for all communities, including Inuit, Indigenous and Metis communities under Restorative Justice Programs that reflect their culture and perspectives.

The goal of the APCD program is to address the reason(s) why individuals commit an offence in the first place, while holding them accountable for their actions. This program also considers the victim’s needs and wishes regarding the incident.

This important work led by the OPS is in collaboration with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa and the John Howard Society of Ottawa, the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, and the Tungasuvvingat Inuit. It is part of the OPS’ ongoing commitment to align with the City of Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan while helping to reduce or eliminate the number of minor criminal activities in our community.

HOW IT WORKS

Police officers will evaluate the whole situation to see if it meets the eligibility criteria of the APCD program. It is important that the person charged actively wants to participate in the program and takes accountability for their actions.

Officers have the final decision whether to charge an individual for a criminal offence, issue a verbal warning, or issue a Provincial Offence Notice (PON) ticket, such as a Trespass to Property (TPA) ticket, or alternatively, refer to the APCD program. If the individual agrees to participate and successfully completes their APCD program(ming), their criminal charges are removed. If they decide not to participate, criminal charges may be laid and the court process continued.