OPP Provincial Constable James Giovannetti discusses the Dufferin Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association.

When MCRT deals with a mental health call, the patient is transported to hospital less than 7% of the time. If the team does take a patient to hospital, the process is streamlined quickly, freeing up the police officer and nurse team to be available for other calls.

The nurses working on the team are able to get the patients into the mental health system efficiently, which takes workload off Emergency Room nurses. In 2023, through the partnership of the MCRT with the local hospital, wait times in the ER have been reduced, despite the number of calls for mental heath rising.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for the close to 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.

The first Ontario Police Suicide Memorial hosted by Canada Beyond the Blue will occur at Queen's Park Cr., Toronto on Sunday June 23, 2024 at 11am.

Dilnaz Garda, the President of Canada Beyond the Blue is our guest on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss what the Ontario Police Suicide Memorial is, the significance of the planned annual event, and to welcome Members and their families to RSVP and attend the event.

For sworn and civilian members attending, the mustering location is in the lot opposite the front steps of the Provincial Legislature at Queen's Park at 10:15am. For Members attending, #1 Dress is encouraged but not mandatory. A full security plan for the event is being managed by the Toronto Police Service.

The OPP Association along with the Police Association of Ontario and the Toronto Police Association have partnered with Canada Beyond the Blue in believing that Members who have died by suicide are deserving of a formal Memorial effort that recognizes the positive impact of their lives and legitimizes the grief of those who carry on their memory.

The relentless exposure to on-the-job trauma can significantly impact the mental health of police members. Establishing a distinct Memorial not only dignifies their service but also prompts stakeholders to advocate for comprehensive policies addressing the mental well-being of police members and their families.

Canada Beyond the Blue is committed to ensuring these individuals are never forgotten, and that their names are spoken aloud and meticulously recorded to honour their service and acknowledge their tragic loss.

For families of Members who have died by suicide, the criteria and application to have your loved one honoured is posted on the Canada Beyond the Blue website. Please note that the collection of names is an ongoing effort that will continue after the inaugural event.

For FAQ's and to RSVP your attendance to the event, visit Canada Beyond the Blue website. An invite for families can be read here.

The Board of Directors of the OPP Association will be in attendance and encourage all Members and their families to support the Ontario Police Suicide Memorial. The OPPA suggests public transportation for easiest access to the downtown area. The closest TTC Subway stop is Queen's Park and the event is walking distance just north of that station.

If anyone requires mental health support please reach out to our OPPA Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program 24/7 EncompasCare.ca or 1-866-794-9117.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for the close to 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.

June is Pride Month. OPP Provincial Constable Tate Pearson of the Dryden Detachment joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss his gender transition journey.

There are a number of resources available regarding the 2SLGBTQIA+ community posted on the OPP Connections Intranet for OPP members.

Three online resources publicly available are:

TCOPS International - Transgender Community of Police and Sheriffs

Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Building Relationships: A Guide to Policing and 2SLGBTQ+ Communities

Serving With Pride - Inspiring Change from the Inside, Out

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for the close to 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.