An inquest into the 2016 death of Abdirahman Abdi shows how crucial expertise in mental health and other care is if we want to protect Ottawa residents from violence.
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The recent recommendations from the coroner’s inquest into the death of Ottawa resident Abdiraham Abdi are not surprising. They emphasize training and the improved coordination of municipal services as key areas for improvement. The recommendations are therefore consistent with those that have emerged from inquests into similar tragedies witnessed across the province in the past two decades.
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As counsel for the family of Abdi expressed, the lethargy and lack of creativity with which the Ottawa Police Service and other police services have responded to this guidance is disappointing.
Having served on the Ottawa Police Services Board in the past, I have consistently provided honest feedback about the Ottawa police. There have been times when the service seemed disconnected from community needs, particularly in understanding specific impacts or recognizing the necessity for systemic changes.
Abdi, 38, died in 2016 after a violent encounter with police, who were answering a 911 call that a man had been groping women outside an Ottawa coffee shop.
Although officers involved in Abdi’s case were not found to have acted criminally, the inquest suggests their response lacked the support and effectiveness that might have prevented his tragic death. Preventing such outcomes benefits all Ontarians, not just those from Black, Indigenous or racialized communities. We must appreciate the challenging conditions under which our police officers strive daily to maintain safety and order.
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I fully support the inquest’s recommendations and hope the Ottawa police will implement meaningful changes. However, focusing solely on police actions may impede addressing broader issues within our care systems.
… focusing solely on police actions may impede addressing broader issues within our care systems.
It is easier to critique police responses to mental distress than to confront significant gaps in our health and mental health services. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, collaborative approach that incorporates data and the experiences of individuals and families within the system.
During Const. Daniel Montsion’s trial (he was acquitted of manslaughter), it became clear that Abdi struggled with several mental health issues, some undiagnosed, and received inconsistent care. Stigma around mental health, gaps in treatment services, poverty, lack of awareness of resources, and cultural and language barriers contribute to these problems, preventing many from seeking help. Additionally, COVID-19 and other public health crises have since disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous and racialized communities, exposing systemic failures.
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Effective early intervention and prevention require a whole-of-government strategy involving institutions, government agencies and community-based organizations. Leveraging the strengths of these entities to provide timely and comprehensive care can reduce the number of individuals who fall through the cracks. This approach would lessen the need for police to manage mental-health crises, allowing them to support mental-health professionals during such events and ensuring they receive appropriate training and preparation.
Many police departments are shifting mental-health responsibilities to professionals better equipped to provide around-the-clock assistance. Partnerships with physicians and mental-health nurses to offer mobile support are emerging, though these programs often suffer from inadequate funding and resources.
Recognizing both the strengths and institutional challenges faced by police officers, I believe it is neither fair nor sustainable to expect them to become experts in a wide range of mental-health issues alongside their numerous other responsibilities. Advocating for systemic changes that view community safety through a broader lens would be more beneficial. In this vision, the police remain a crucial and respected resource within a larger network of services that includes health care, substance use support, housing, education, and poverty reduction initiatives.
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It is essential to equip our police officers with the necessary tools, resources and support to effectively carry out their duties. Police services boards, mayors and elected officials must lead these advocacy efforts to ensure law enforcement personnel are fully prepared to protect and serve our communities.
A truly safe and thriving community is built on the partnership between police and residents. We must support law enforcement while also addressing broader community needs such as mental health, housing and education. Expecting police to handle complex issues alone is neither fair nor effective. By advocating for systemic changes and involving multiple services, led by police services boards, mayors and elected officials, we can create a compassionate and secure environment for all.
Together, we can honor our officers and support our families and neighbours, ensuring a better future for everyone.
Daljit Nirman is Ottawa lawyer, visiting professor and former member of the Ottawa Police Services Board and Ontario Association of Police Services Board.
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