Interim chief Steve Bell says they've made important progress today.
Bell says they've advised protesters repeatedly about leaving, and backed up warnings with safe tactics. Says "at every step, they've faced a barrage of resistance, shoving and vitriol," of his officers. Says batons and helmets added this morning as a safety measure.
Says officers continued to face resistance. Says protesters used a flare at one point. Says officers used a chemical irritant, "also known as pepper spray." 47 people arrested today.
Says municipal crews came in to take up and clean up and tow away all of demonstrators' tools and vehicles.
"I am proud of all the police bodies" that have contributed to the efforts, Bell says. (There are officers here from Quebec, BC, Alberta..)
"We're not going anywhere 'til you have your streets back," Bell says. Says aware protesters are moving to neighbouring areas from Parl. precinct. (Grocery shopping earlier I saw two security guards inside the store--cashier told me that's one more than usual).
Bylaw officers have issued over 3,600 tickets.
Q and A section now starting w/ media.
@CreesonCTV up first. Asks when residents will have their streets back. Day in mind? As Wellington now cleared out.
"This is an extremely large and complex operation," Bell says. Says journos all understand it as they've been extensively covering it (uhuh). Cannot commit to a time. Says all partner agencies have committed to stay 'til end. "If I had a choice it would be right now."
@CreesonCTV : Explain the chemical irritant? What kind, why was it used? Explain what appears to be excessive force during arrests? Police delivering blows to protesters while they're down as per videos online.
Bell says he's unaware of excessive force, but there are review mechanisms in place to check later.
Radio-Canada q: what's the next step in operation? Are the forces starting to stretch thin as they gain terrain?
Bell: this will a deliberate and methodical approach/ we have the resources we need to execute this plan. Approaching areas, members taking control, then crews coming in behind them.
"We will continue with our plan." Says going exactly as they'd anticipated.
TVA q: has police seized firearms? Aware that there are firearms?
Bell: several investigations ongoing re: seizure of weapons, but no specifics as investigations ongoing. No charges yet, so nothing further to say. #protestconvoy #cdnpoli
@AshleyBurkeCBC : what other methods have you used today that you did not have yesterday? Any use of sonics, anything else?
Bell: "we're not actually going to discuss the tactics that we use." Monitoring coverage, protesters using disinfo. Actively tweeting and providing info but trying not to divulge police tactics.
@AshleyBurkeCBC : Yesterday, @OttawaPolice said a bike was thrown at the horse, but there are accounts. What happened?
Bell says members of the mounted public order unit rode through the crowd to lower temp. Says almost immediately there were tweets/pics photoshopped that indicated people died, or that horses ran over someone with a walker. Says two protesters collided with horses and fell down.
Says the two protesters got back up. @AshleyBurkeCBC : what was thrown at the horse? There are images online suggesting it was someone's electronic wheelchair. Bell: no answer for now, will have to get back to media on it. Police have been tweeting for a day it was a bike.
@jchianello : are people being let go without being charged with anything? Bell says evolving situation.
@jchianello : update on cost? Bell: we know this is going to be an extremely expensive operation, speaking to federal and provincial partners to discuss funding. Identifying costs still. Joanne asks no tally yet? Answer is a reminder that only 1 q, 1 followup per journo.
Q: how many buildings in lockdown? Bell: says they don't directly control ## of buildings that are in lockdown.
CP question: what's the msg to Canadians and protesters upset at images of police striking protesters, non-aggressive ones, with batons. Bell: there will be an opportunity to review that later. Review mechanisms in place. "We have been here for 3 weeks," Bell says.
Bell: "we have advised them that if they peacefully leave, they may go home. That still exists." Says police had warned of escalation.
Independent media journo: says was hit with pepper spray. Asks if police are gathering intel with cameras. If protesters retreat and go home, any repercussions? What are plans after protest is over? Bell: "The simple answer is yes."
Bell: "This investigation will go on for months to come. It has many many streams both from a federal/financial level, from a provincial licensing level," says it will be complicated, time-consuming investigation.
The journo is cut off from asking a followup q, and media avail is concluded. I did not catch her name, she i.d.-ed herself as independent media.
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