News

Statement by Interim Chief Steve Bell to City Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 16, 2022   5:28pm 

(Ottawa)--Mayor and Members of Council,

We are here today to provide you a briefing on the plan of action that has already begun to end this unlawful protest  in our City.

We are also here to answer questions from members of Council.

This morning, the command of the OPP, RCMP and Ottawa Police were briefed on the significant steps being taken to bring a safe end to this crisis.

The Ottawa Police remains the police of jurisdiction and lead...

A further Notice to Demonstrators

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 16, 2022   4:53pm 

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service wants to inform you that under provincial and federal legislation, you will face severe penalties if you do not cease further unlawful activity and remove your vehicle and/or property immediately from all unlawful protest sites. 

• You may be arrested and charged with criminal offences including but not limited to mischief, and potentially charged with a variety of other non-criminal offences.
• Your vehicle...

Unified Command focused on Safe Resolution to Unlawful Protests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 16, 2022   4:45pm 

(Ottawa)—The enhanced Integrated Command Centre (ICC) under a Unified Command – made up of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) -- has developed a clear and actionable plan to bring about a safe and peaceful end to the unlawful protests underway in downtown Ottawa. As the police of jurisdiction, the OPS remains the lead of this operation to return Ottawa to a...

Ottawa Police Service Establish Integrated Command Centre to Coordinate Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Saturday, February 12, 2022   8:12pm 

(Ottawa) – Together with the OPP and the RCMP, the Ottawa Police Service today announced the establishment of an enhanced, Integrated Command Centre (ICC) in response to a significant influx of demonstrators into the Ottawa area and escalation of the current occupation.

In downtown Ottawa, over 4,000 demonstrators were present throughout the day. Safety concerns - arising from aggressive, illegal behaviour by many demonstrators - limited...

Ottawa Police Service Deploying All Available Officers to Enforce Neighbourhood Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Saturday, February 12, 2022   11:25am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service continues to deploy all available resources to put an end to the unlawful demonstration in the downtown core, respond to calls for service, and improve neighbourhood safety.

Overnight, demonstrators exhibited aggressive behaviour towards law enforcement including refusing to follow directions, overwhelming officers, and otherwise subverting enforcement efforts.

All available officers were deployed last...