OPP. Image credit: Twitter handle
#Canada; #Ottawa; #FreedomConvoy; #OPP; #Investigation
Ottawa/CMEDIA: An internal review has been launched by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) against some of its officers who appeared to have donated to the recent convoy protests in Ottawa and throughout the province.
In an email to CBC News on Wednesday, OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson confirmed being aware of an undisclosed number of its members who “appear to have made donations that have gone toward the unlawful protest in Ottawa”, CBC News reported.
“The matter has been brought to the attention of OPP Command, and the OPP Professional Standards Unit has launched an internal conduct investigation into this matter,” Dickson said.
A release of the data hack contained the names of thousands of people who donated in support of the protests against vaccine mandates and COVID-19 public health measures through the crowdfunding website GiveSendGo.
Dickson said the OPP “holds its members accountable for their actions while on duty and off.
“They have a responsibility to demonstrate neutrality and remain non-partisan,” the email reads.
“Any demonstration or expression of views and opinions that may be interpreted as condoning illegal activity is in direct opposition to the OPP’s values and mandate.”
Toronto police also said on Wednesday it is aware of two members who appeared to be part of the data hack that is currently being reviewed.
“As this was illegally obtained data, we would not speculate on its validity as we are aware of multiple lists in circulation which could be altered or manipulated,” Toronto police said in an email Wednesday.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Image: OPP. Image credit: Twitter handle
