The next time a protest, a big festival or a search for a missing person happens in Burlington, a new team of officers may be on the scene. The Halton Regional Police Service, which polices Burlington and the rest of Halton Region, says its new Public Safety Unit is now fully operational.
The team plans for and manages demonstrations and protests, and brings crowd management and public order resources to large gatherings. It also supports search and rescue efforts.
Its members are full-time Halton officers assigned to the unit part-time. Insp. Trevor Bradley, the force's inspector of emergency services, says the unit brings together experienced frontline officers with specialized training and equipment.
Chief Stephen Tanner says the force may face demonstrations or public safety challenges that no one can anticipate yet. He adds that Halton police also have a responsibility to be able to support other jurisdictions.
Groups organizing a major event in the region will find the new team working with them on public safety plans.
