Ottawa police chief to undergo ethics probe over traffic ticket call

The OttawaPolice Services Board will ask a civilian oversight body to investigate Chief CharlesBordeleau'shandling of a traffic ticket that was issued to a member of his family, it was determined Monday.

The board cited media reports detailing that on Jan. 25, 2016, ChiefBordeleauphonedthe Provincial Offences Court office to learn the name of the prosecutor assigned to the traffic case.

The Ontario Civilian Police Commission will be asked to investigate the claim after the Police Services Board passed a motion on the matter during its regularly scheduled board meeting.

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ChiefBordeleauaddressed the claims during the meeting.

"I have in no way influenced the outcome of a ticket issued to my family member. There are clear processes in place to investigate the conduct of a chief of police in Ontario, and I have no concerns about them being followed," he told the board.

During his remarks,Bordeleaualso said no member of the police service is above accountability, including himself.

Bordeleau'scomments follow a difficult week for theforce after the head of the police union accused the police board of failing to oversee top police brass.

On Friday, Ottawa Police Association president MattSkofcalled for the board's chairman Coun.EliEl-Chantiryto resign.

El-Chantiry hasrefused to step down.

40 police officers fill meeting

The public rift came the same weekthe police chief wrote an open letter to the community about the recent spike in what he called drug-related "extreme violence".

That letter promptedveteranConst.PaulHefflerto send anemailclaiming there were a number of internal issues in the force,including thatproactive policing especially patrol work had beeneroding away.

About 40 police officers turned up to listen toBordeleau'sremarks Monday night.

Several officers told CBC News they were in attendance to show their support forfellow members, includingConst.Heffler,and to expresstheir dissatisfaction with the police services board.

Letters sent to mayor, police chief

During his remarks, ChiefBordeleauaddressed claimsthe force is experiencing low morale.

"Morale is a difficult discussion in policing," saidBordeleau. "And we know morale is not where it needs to be. Our members should know that their concerns are being heard, that we know that they need to see more action, and that they be directly engaged in those solutions."

Ahead of Monday night's meeting, a spokesperson in the Mayor's office said it had received upwards of 70emailsover the weekend from police officers in response to last week's events.

After the meeting,Bordeleausaid he had also receivedemails.

"There's no question that they want us to ensure that we're listening around what their issues are, and there's some frustration there with respect to the board,and those items have to be resolved."