Ottawa Police Donate to Freedom Convoy

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An Ottawa police officer was convicted of dishonorable conduct and had 40 hours of his salary garnished after donating to the Freedom Convoy protests last winter.

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A clear message needs to be sent to police officers across Ontario who express sympathy for “any controversial cause that serves to undermine public confidence and confidence in the impartiality of the police,” said the 4 November ex. Police Superintendent Chris Renwick’s decision said: At an Ottawa police disciplinary hearing.

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Constant Christina Neilson pleaded guilty to one count of discredited conduct.

Neilson donated $55 to a crowdfunding campaign for the “Freedom Convoy” protests that blocked the streets of downtown Ottawa for three weeks.

The “Freedom Convoy” and the squatting of downtown Ottawa were “unprecedented in our city and resulted in blatantly rebellious and illegal acts that rock to the core of our society,” Renwick said. writing.

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“Unfortunately, cases of actual police assistance and perceived police assistance to squatters have received much attention and criticism, and have had a significant and negative impact on the reputation of (Ottawa Police). .”

Renwick also states, “Police officers who deviate from neutral objectivity and the consistent, fair and equitable application of the rule of law must clearly understand that it will lead to remedial and/or punitive sanctions.” it won’t,” he said.

Neilson first donated $55 to the GoFundMe “Freedom Convoy” organization on January 23rd. The money was returned on February 5th after the platform ended fundraising for violating community standards. On the same day, Neilson donated his $55 to Convoy on his GiveSendGo platform, which was also later refunded.

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According to Renwick’s decision, Neilson knew, or should have known, that the money he donated would be used to squat downtown Ottawa.

Then-Ottawa Police Chief Peter Slowly declared protesting an illegal occupation on February 4.

Neilson, a police officer since 2012, had no previous record of wrongdoing, cooperated with the investigation and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, according to the ruling.

Renwick said Neilson has learned from the experience and is unlikely to appear in court for similar misconduct charges based on her behavior after the indictment.

Neilson must also participate in a restorative justice program, the decision said.

jmiller@postmedia.com