**** HRP Media Release
Halifax Regional Police issues statement regarding police response to weekend rally in Halifax
Halifax Regional Police issued the following statement today in response to questions from members of the public about police response to the weekend “Freedom Rally” in Halifax:
“Halifax Regional Police emphasizes the importance of following the restrictions related to curbing the spread of COVID-19 and reminds everyone to make their own and others’ safety a priority during this extremely challenging time. We work with the community in a variety of situations and consider potential impacts on public safety in every case while taking steps to prevent events from escalating. Our approach consists of engagement, education and enforcement, as necessary, while keeping the overall public safety considerations and priorities in mind.
“With regards to the weekend demonstration, our officers worked with the organizers for days leading up to the event. That proactive work led to the prevention of a march, which had been originally planned to a different location. HRP officers were present throughout the event, used their best judgment to contain the event, averting a more widespread public safety challenge. Beyond that, we are unable to comment on the details of our tactics and specific steps we took.
“Once again, we remind everyone that during this highly sensitive time, it will take action on everyone’s part to respond to the latest spike in the COVID-19 cases. We will continue to use all tools at our disposal as necessary as part of our response.”
