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 night. We have a plan to end this unlawful occupation and await the necessary reinforcements to do so. 

We continue to monitor events across the province and adjust plans locally.

As of 10:30 AM EST, the Ottawa Police Service can report:

Enforcement and Charges Laid

• There have been 26 arrests in relation to criminal charges. Including two additional arrests for public intoxication.
• Police intercepted and recovered a stolen vehicle destined to join the occupation. This is the second stolen vehicle recovered in relation to the occupation.
• The Ottawa Police Service and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) have launched a joint truck violation initiative. 3 vehicles have been placed out of service, and 10 charges have been issued including: moving violations, document offenses, lapsed inspection, and daily log infractions.
• Bylaw and Police Services have issued more than 2,600 tickets.
• Enforcement of new emergency measures will begin following their formal implementation by the province.

Intelligence and Investigations

• 140 active criminal offence investigations in relation to the demonstration.
• Intelligence and evidence gathering teams continue to collect financial, digital, vehicle registration, driver identification, insurance status, and other related evidence that will be used in criminal prosecutions.

Operations

• All available Ottawa Police Service officers remain on active duty.
• The Ottawa Police Service is working with policing partners and all levels of government to secure the necessary additional resources to put an end to the unlawful occupation.
• Officers were deployed to downtown school neighbourhoods on Friday in response to reports of demonstrators harassing children.

We encourage all residents who have witnessed or been the victim of unlawful behaviour to please contact the Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222 ext. 7300, or ext. 5015 for hate related crimes. Reports may also be submitted online at www.ottawapolice.ca.

The Ottawa Police Service will continue to provide updates as they become available.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366