New TV show examines Ottawa Police Service
Posted Mar 5, 2010 By Kimberly Lochhead
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Tweet ThisEMC News - To provide a greater insight into local policing, Rogers TV recently launched On Patrol with the Ottawa Police, a 10-part series examining the diversity of the many departments and highlighting the partnerships between officers and communities.
The goal is to personalize the show and explain the daily activity of the police, especially those who serve as community police officers and have more individual relationships with residents, executives said.
"We tried to stay away from the glamorized police shows on other networks and really tried to bring it back to the human being that the police officer is and they way the directly deal with the public," said Lynne Whitehead, supervising producer. "I think a lot of people aren't exposed to seeing the downtown core at night or after hours. They don't realize the life that goes on when perhaps they're in bed."
Shot over last summer, the show began on Feb. 14 with a ride along with Const. Peter Jeon who patrolled Manotick, Richmond and Osgoode.
"Const. Jeon is well known in his areas and he can only be successful because of the fact that he commits himself to those communities that he serves," added Ms. Whitehead. "We wanted to tell some community stories in the Manotick area and people were interested in seeing ride alongs with the officer. Also, we wanted to celebrate the community's 150th year."
The idea for the series was prompted after an airing of a ride along received a great deal of public attention, she explained.
"We had such exceptional viewer feedback that we ended up running it about three times," Ms. Whitehead added. "It was at that point that we started to talk to the police to see if they would provide us with a bit more access to what they do on a day-to-day basis. It's been a culmination of many conversations and support from Chief Vern White and the officers. They literally opened the doors to allow us to tell the stories of the police."
Ride alongs were chosen as the focus of the program because viewers said they recognized city landmarks and weren't aware of what happened after hours.
"We did a few during the day with the Barrhaven detachment which was successful and a night ride along in the Byward Market," said Ms. Whitehead. "We also wanted to show professional development of the officers and spent a few days with the officers at Algonquin College going through skill training."
Insp. Alain Bernard of the Ottawa Police Service said the show allows the public to gain greater insight into the actual workings of the officers on patrol as well as the various departments. He also said it may encourage some viewers to pursue a career in policing.
"It's an opportunity to profile the work the police are doing with the community and I see it as a great venue to convey information about practices the community can take from a crime prevention perspective," Insp. Bernard added. "We typically see them in a newsflash sense when there's an incident occurring, but this affords an opportunity to see them perform in other fashions and how they're working hand-in-hand with the community. It also speaks to some of the activities that the general population may not have a chance to learn."
klochhead@thenewsemc.ca
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