Cops with patrol rifles to be deployed to key locations in Toronto as police create new unit, task force
CBC
Toronto police say they are creating a counter-terrorism unit and a specialized task force that will see officers with semi-automatic rifles stationed at key locations in the city.
The locations include places of worship, tourist attractions, high traffic public spaces and critical infrastructure, police told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the dedicated counter-terrorism security unit and "task force guardian" are not being set up in response to any one threat but are security measures to "prevent, detect and disrupt" extremism violence and terrorism.
Demkiw said the measures are a response to an increasingly complex security environment.
“We know that visible police presence matters when it comes to deterring violence and reassuring our communities,” Demkiw said.
"Torontonians can expect to see Toronto police officers deployed with tactical capabilities, including patrol rifles," he said.
“I want to be clear today that this announcement is not about any particular threat, but the growing volume and complexity of threats related to terrorism, extremism and hate-motivated incidents,” Demkiw said. "This is about being proactive."
The announcement comes after three synagogues were hit by gunfire in recent weeks and shots were fired at the U.S. consulate downtown. It also comes before Toronto hosts six FIFA World Cup games starting in mid-June, when tens of thousands of people are expected to visit the city.
Demkiw said the unit and task force are a response to global conflicts, rising hate crimes, and the risk of violent extremism in Toronto.
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said officers deployed as part of the task force will be equipped with protective gear and where they will be deployed will be determined by police intelligence.
"This is about prevention and protection, not reaction," Barredo said.
Barredo said the task force will be launched in the coming days.
Asked about the cost of the equipment to be used by the officers, Barredo said: "There is no cost because we already possess all this equipment and there is no additional premium pay or things, of that nature, because we'll be using on-duty resources."
Barredo said the task force is an amalgam of different units coming together.
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