By Jamie Rieger

The weekend was a pretty normal one for the Redcliff RCMP despite the Hell’s Angels members who were in the area for a rally.

“It was pretty normal as far as calls go and it went well. We had a few members in Redcliff visiting the local establishments, but there were no problems,” said Staff Sgt. Dave Ness.

The Redcliff RCMP partnered with the Medicine Hat Police Service and had assistance from the Calgary Police Service, Lethbridge Police, various RCMP detachments, and the Blood Tribe Police.

As well, the RCMP helicopter was brought in to conduct surveillance of the area. A number of Redcliff residents said the helicopter flew over during the night hours and used a search light.

“The RCMP helicopter did do some flyovers and flew over at different times throughout the region,” said Ness.

The RCMP and the Medicine Hat Police received prior information that the rally was going to take place and were prepared with an increased presence.

The police acknowledge the bikers have the right to association and peaceful assembly, but the Hell’s Angels history of involvement with organized criminal activity and past experience in dealing with large gatherings of outlaw biker rallies prompted the increase of law enforcement in the area.