Halifax buying armoured rescue vehicle for police
Halifax is set to acquire an armoured rescue vehicle for its municipal police force, a decision that has been deemed crucial by councillors to ensure the safety of officers on duty. The budget committee of Halifax recently deliberated on the matter, with the majority of council members voting in favor of allocating $639,000 for the purchase of the vehicle in this year’s budget. Councillors Shawn Cleary and Virginia Hinch were the only ones who opposed the decision.
The Halifax Regional Police (HRP) have emphasized that the armoured rescue vehicle will play a vital role in extracting civilians or officers from perilous situations such as shootings. However, its primary usage will be by the city’s emergency response team during high-risk incidents involving weapons, such as confronting armed individuals barricaded in a residence, executing arrest warrants for murder suspects, or handling hostage scenarios.
Coun. Becky Kent expressed her support for the acquisition, citing the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of both the public and law enforcement officers. The move has garnered significant public attention, with multiple residents voicing their concerns regarding the potential misuse of the vehicle against civilian protestors. Despite the opposition, Coun. Tony Mancini acknowledged the trauma experienced by some community members but stressed the necessity of equipping the police with the required resources.
A staff report highlighted that HRP and the police board will establish policies governing the deployment of the armoured rescue vehicle. Currently, Halifax police rely on the provincial RCMP’s tactical armoured vehicle for high-risk operations with the emergency response team. However, the unavailability of the vehicle due to maintenance or prior RCMP engagements has been a recurring issue, prompting the decision to procure a dedicated rescue vehicle.
The contentious issue has led to an occupational health and safety complaint from the Halifax police union, citing the absence of an armoured rescue vehicle as a safety concern. Municipal lawyer John Traves emphasized the legal obligation of the council to adequately provide for the police force, hinting at potential repercussions if the acquisition is not pursued. HRP Chief Don MacLean underscored the longstanding need for such a vehicle, particularly since the emergency response team transitioned to a full-time unit in 2023.
Several cities across Canada, including Montreal, Calgary, Fredericton, Saint John, and Regina, have already invested in similar rescue vehicles, underscoring the importance of enhancing law enforcement capabilities. The council will continue deliberations on the budget in the coming week to finalize the acquisition of the armoured rescue vehicle, ensuring the safety and preparedness of Halifax’s police force.
