Halifax police board wants strict rules before armoured vehicle hits the street
Greg O'Malley, chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, is calling for a strict armoured rescue vehicle policy. (Source: Jesse Thomas/CTV News Atlantic)
More than five years ago, the Halifax Regional Police tried to buy an armoured rescue vehicle (ARV) and council approved the request, but then backed out and scrapped the idea after public backlash.
Halifax police are once again preparing to add an ARV to their fleet, and council approved the purchase in its budget.
Halifax police told the Board of Police Commissioners Wednesday the purchase is nearly complete and the armoured vehicle is expected to arrive this summer.
But before it's ever deployed, the police board wants a clear policy in place outlining exactly how, when and why it can be used.
'The level of training, certification, the process to activate it, that kind of thing,' said board chair Greg O'Malley. 'The potential that a neighbouring community might need some assistance with it or in that matter. So for those various reasons, we have to get clear directions to the chief in order to operationalize and use it effectively and safely.'
The board learned a draft policy for ARV usage is complete, but they haven't seen it yet. O'Malley said they will have their own policy regarding the use of the vehicle.
He notes the final policy must ensure transparency and accountability, including a requirement for police to submit detailed summaries to the board anytime the ARV is deployed.
Greg O'Malley
Greg O'Malley, chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, is calling for a strict armoured rescue vehicle policy. (Source: Jesse Thomas/CTV News Atlantic)
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