Vancouver police detail safety plans amid concerns of Israel-Hamas related violence
Posted October 12, 2023 8:08 pm.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has released a statement detailing its plans to ensure local safety amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Police say there is no specific threat identified in Vancouver, but the department is keeping a close eye on global events in order to “assess violence and disorder in the city.”
On Thursday afternoon, CityNews heard from parents in Vancouver who have made plans to keep their kids home from school on Friday after seeing an increase in threatening social media posts against the community. This comes after one parent says he received an email detailing Hamas calls for a worldwide “general mobilization” against Jewish people on Oct. 13.
VPD Chief Const. Adam Palmer says he understands that, although the war is taking place thousands of kilometres away in Israel, many people in the city may feel concerned for their own safety.
Palmer states that VPD has activated its Department Operations Centre in response to these safety concerns, and explains that the centre will coordinate all activities in Vancouver related to the situation.
“We are actively engaged with community members and faith leaders to support our neighbourhoods and to keep everyone safe in Vancouver,” he said in a statement posted on X.
“We’re maintaining an increased police presence around places of worship, community centres, schools, and other key locations to reassure the community.”
While Palmer is stressing the importance of maintaining safety, he says people in Canada aren’t legally barred from peacefully assembling for any kind of protest or demonstration.
“When demonstrations occur, our primary role is to maintain order, facilitate safe and peaceful gatherings, and respond to unlawful behaviour. We encourage everyone who gathers to express themselves in a way that is peaceful, lawful, and respectful of others,” he said.
The VPD says it will investigate any violent incidents, demonstrations of hate, and criminal activity.
