The Saskatoon Police Service has posted pictures of seven attendees at freedom rallies to ask for the public’s help to identify them..The faces of six males and one female were posted on a police webpage entitled, “Assist to Identify.”.“The Saskatoon Police Service needs your help. If you can identify any of the following individuals, please submit a confidential tip via the form at the bottom of this page,” the website said..Snitching can be done anonymously..“Fill out the fields below to leave a confidential tip. You do not need to leave your name. The contact information fields are optional,” the webpage reads..In a separate news release dated May 20, the Saskatoon police wrote: “The SPS has issued 88 tickets for violations of the PHO since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Most recently, a rally on May 9, 2021 resulted in 18 tickets being issued at the time of the event and an additional 30 are being served currently within the city and outside Saskatoon..“Investigators have also developed images of 41 individuals who were present at the rally and are asking for public assistance identifying them. Investigation determined these individuals were in violation of the PHO,” meaning the Public Health Orders..The Western Standard asked a former Saskatoon police officer for comment..“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen that done, especially for this. And don’t ID me on this one, thanks,” the person said..When asked if this kind of public appeal might be better suited to those of more serious offenses, the former officer replied: “Definitely this should be reserved for real criminals committing real crimes.”.The news release stated two more Saskatoon rallies were scheduled for the weekend..“Operational plans will be in place including uniformed officers and traffic members. Less visible enforcement will also be present and as with past rallies, may occur after the event. The SPS wishes to ensure a balance is maintained between ensuring a rally or protest is conducted in a safe manner, within the restrictions of the Public Health Order (PHO), and protecting the rights of people to express their opinion,” said the release..The news release prompted a Facebook post by Alex Dupont, an admin for the 4,600-members Freedom Alliance..“Saskatoon Police Service has upped the ante. They have the ability to use discretion when enforcing these draconian measures introduced by Moe and Shahab. With this new announcement, it’s clear they have not taken the high road. Stay tuned for more,” Dupont wrote..Other group members were also unimpressed..“This is a new low, that they are posting photos and asking people to tell them who they are! [Do] police have nothing better to do!? Good grief,” wrote Lisa Winter..Adam Lerch commented: “I’ve left about a dozen ‘tips’ now, on how to gain back their integrity. Everyone flood their system.”.Others had praise for the protesters themselves..“Such nice looking Canadians! Glad to have them as friends and allies,” wrote Marjaleena Repo..Harding is a Western Standard correspondent based in Saskatchewan
