Winnipeg will soon have a police emergency response team that is full-time, it was announced this morning.
Winnipeg Police Service has established a Tactical Support Team to enhance public and officer safety, and provide a more effective response to higher-risk events, Mayor Sam Katz and Chief of Police Keith McCaskill said at a press conference.
A few members of Winnipeg Police Service's Emergency Response Team attended a news conference today along with Mayor Sam Katz, right, at the Public Safety Building announcing that Winnipeg will get a full-time tactical unit to assist uniformed officers in dangerous situations.
“I am happy to be here with the chief to announce this important enhancement to our Police Service,” said Mayor Katz. “The safety of the public and our police officers is a high priority for me and my fellow members of Council.”
The TST consists of 15 highly trained emergency response unit members, who will support uniform and plainclothes units by providing tactical entry in higher-risk events such as search warrants where weapons are believed to be present.
“The Tactical Support Team will provide Winnipeg with a safer and more effective way of dealing with calls for service where there is violence, the threat of violence, or weapons,” said Chief McCaskill. “The Team will also add to our overall efficiency and effectiveness by performing other police related duties, when they are not in tactical use.”
TST will also support officers responding to weapons and related calls where there is increased risk of violence. This will enable the Service to enhance the safety of responding officers and the public.
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