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Up to 831 RCMP officers approved to join Ottawa police as motorcycle convoy arrives

Apr. 27, 2022, Ottawa, Ont. – The Ottawa police services board has approved the appointment of up to 831 RCMP officers to help municipal police, who are promising a heavy presence in the capital and zero tolerance for hate this weekend.

Ottawa police asked the board to approve the expedited appointment of “up to 200” additional officers as they prepare for a second convoy, this time involving hundreds of motorcycles instead of trucks.

As many as 631 RCMP members who were appointed to help end the downtown blockade in February could also be reappointed as needed.

The Ottawa Police Service says it’s asking for those appointments to expire on July 4 “in anticipation of additional events and demonstrations.” They typically last five years.

Interim police chief Steve Bell told Ottawa city councillors earlier on Wednesday that his force has no intention of letting the “Rolling Thunder Convoy” turn into another illegal occupation, and that officers will act quickly when they see any wrongdoing.

“Threatening or intimidating behaviours will be addressed with all appropriate enforcement action,” Bell said. “Investigative teams, including our hate crime unit, are in place focused on gathering evidence and laying charges where appropriate. The display of symbols of hate like swastikas will result in charges.”