My initial fears regarding this were not realized. It was quickly evident to me that Canadian Cops are not the American stereotypical counterparts we all see. They are much more closely related to their UK cousins, thankfully.
The most glaringly obvious difference is the routine carrying of firearms. Colleagues remain incredulous that I patrolled one of the most socially deprived and crime ridden areas in the whole of Europe, let alone the UK, alone and unarmed. When I first started I did not even have CS spray, and there was the odd occasion where there was not even enough radios to go around, so of course as the probationer, I did without.
It pains me to see how the American’s police when using firearms. I am so glad that this is not acceptable here, to the police or the public. There is still civilian oversight on several levels, accountability to independent bodies and strict use of force policies and procedures, which are mandatory and adhered to.
That’s not to say that there is not troubling use of force concerning firearms in Canada. Unfortunately as with police services across the world, there remains, and always will remain the human element. Only training and education can help reduce this, but I don’t think unfortunately we will ever witness completely avoidable deaths when firearms are in play.
Considering I have policed with and without a firearm I am still on the fence regarding their necessity. “Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.” This appears to be the most relied upon mantra, and it does carry some weight. IF it just sits there in its holster, what is the harm? I would say it plays into the psychology of policing by fear, rather than consent. It also poses the very real risk of being taken off you and used against you. As well as marksmanship concerns. Officer safety though is paramount here, all other considerations are secondary. This was quite the revelation to me as it seemed to be the other way around in the UK.
Alternatively, I am/have been able to respond to firearms related incidents quickly and have the ability to deal with incidents unfolding before me, where the use, or at least the threat of use of a firearm, is required. This certainly contributes to public safety at that specific incident and makes the police less impotent when dealing with firearms related threats.
Ultimately I have yet to shoot my own or anyone else’s foot off.
Ben