The Saskatoon Police Service says it will have officers present at the latest planned COVID-19 restrictions protest on Sunday.
Police state they will also be increasing the monitoring and enforcement of the Public Health Order, due to the increase of community concern surrounding COVID-19 variants of concern. While investigations have been focused on organizers in the past, Saskatoon Police say all those planning to attend should be aware that anyone found in violation of the current restrictions could face charges. The Saskatoon Police Service is encouraging the public to adhere to the Public Health Order and not attend events where violations could occur.
To date officers in Saskatoon have issued 35 tickets for violating the Public Health Order.
Protest in Regina
The Regina Police Service says it has an operational plan for an Anti-Mask event planned for this weekend in Regina.
That plan will include uniformed police officers and traffic members whose primary focus will be actively monitoring to identify and respond to any risk to public safety. Other police officers will work more to the investigative side of this event. Police say officers will be gathering evidence and information that will assist in the investigation following the rally. There will also be a command structure dedicated to this event with senior-officer oversight and real-time decision-making.
As with past protests, the Regina Police Service says it will balance the overall goal of maintaining public safety while protecting the rights of individuals to express their opinions; this while working toward compliance with the Province’s Public Health Orders in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They ask that citizens bear in mind that these goals are not served by actions that would provoke an emotional crowd. Police have the tools and the ability to investigate breaches of the Public Health Orders after the fact, as was done in the case of the April 24th rally and other events in recent weeks.
With respect to the April 24th rally, police continue to investigate. They thank the public for their co-operation and support in identifying individuals from the park rally and a gathering in the Cornwall Centre afterward. Police have added new videos to the gallery at www.reginapolice.ca/help-identify/ . You can view close-ups of mask-less individuals and, if you recognize someone, scroll down the page to leave a confidential tip. Citizens who want to leave a tip can also simply call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
