‘Evidence being gathered’ against law-breaking convoy protesters: Deans

Despite four days of gridlock and protests in Ottawa’s downtown core due to the “Freedom Convoy,” Ottawa police chief Peter Sloly assures that no riots, injuries or deaths have happened as a result.

In an address to the media on Monday, January 31, Sloly — along with Mayor Jim Watson and police chair Diane Deans — said that despite the lack of elevated violence, it doesn't mean they're not investigating any incidents of crime.

Police board chair Diane Deans assured that evidence is being gathered against anyone who has broken the law — evidence which will be used in instances that lead to prosecution.

Sloly also said that while there have been reports circulating of denial of service to emergency services and experience of traumas due to the protests, that has not been true.

While delays with emergency services did happen at times, no one was directly affected by ambulance slowdowns due to the protest.

“This demonstration has been massive in scale, polarizing in context and danger in every other aspect of the event itself”” Sloly said.

He added that officers are “tired, stressed and strained,” after working 12 to 18-hour days.

The focus, both Deans and Sloly said, is on maintaining public safety.

This means police have decided to refrain from escalating situations by holding off on moves like ticketing and towing.

Since Friday, though, the police chief reports that the situation with the demonstration has scaled down.

As Sloly put it, there were about 1,000 flashpoint situations that could have resulted in something more, but were de-escalated by local law enforcement.

“It’s an event like no other we’ve witnessed in our city’s history,” Deans said. “We have to trust that what the police are doing is de-escalating a situation and ensuring safety to the public.”

As of Monday evening, Sloly said a hotline will be put in place for residents of the city to report hate crimes to police in relation to the protests.

If a visitor has come to Ottawa and committed a crime, Sloly said an investigation will be launched and charges could result.

And first thing Tuesday morning, officers will be deployed back to their neighbourhoods and communities to provide regular safety and support services.

All options are on the table, Sloly said — from negotiations to enforcement. Whatever it takes to bring these demonstrations to an end, he said Ottawa’s police service will do it.