Ottawa’s interim police chief Steve Bell promised to “rebuild public trust” in the municipal force following the Freedom Convoy protest that parked in the city for over three weeks to oppose federal COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. “This past month, the people of Ottawa have faced immense disruptions, fear, and uncertainty due to the illegal protests in our city,” Bell said in a statement on March 7. “It is natural that questions are asked about the direction of the Ottawa Police, and it is important that we respond to those questions directly.” Bell said the Ottawa police force has “built an experienced and diverse leadership team” that continues to be focused on delivering “cultural and systemic change.” He said the service will continue internal investigations into inappropriate police conduct related to what he described as the “illegal protests” in Ottawa and will develop a use-of-force review committee to review reports on …