5 Black Somali Officers Sue Ottawa Police For Secretly Wiretapping, Surveilling Them

In a landmark legal action, two Black Somali officers have filed a lawsuit against the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), accusing the department of secretly wiretapping and surveilling them. The officers allege that the police force’s actions constitute a breach of privacy, racial discrimination, and an abuse of power.

According to the lawsuit, the officers were placed under covert surveillance without their knowledge or consent. They claim that OPS targeted them based on their race and ethnic background, leading to a hostile work environment that undermined their safety and trust within the force. The surveillance reportedly involved both wiretaps and the monitoring of their movements and professional interactions, which the officers say was intended to discredit them.

Community Response
The case has sparked outrage in Ottawa, with community leaders and advocacy groups calling for accountability and transparency within the OPS. “This lawsuit raises serious questions about racial bias and systemic discrimination in law enforcement,” said a representative from the Ottawa chapter of Black Lives Matter.

The OPS has issued a statement acknowledging the legal action but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing judicial process. The case highlights broader issues of racial equity and trust in police institutions, sparking debate on surveillance practices and protections for minority officers.

The officers, through their legal counsel, are seeking damages and policy reforms to prevent future instances of racially motivated surveillance. This lawsuit stands as a crucial test of the justice system’s handling of discrimination allegations within law enforcement, with community members closely watching for its outcome.