An exploration of the use of tactical officers in three Canadian police services. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jenkins, Bryce; Semple, Tori; Bennell, Craig; Huey, Laura
• Is Part Of: Police journal. Volume 94:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 515
• Page End: 538
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Police -- police militarization -- police tactical units -- Canada; Police -- Periodicals; Police -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 363.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0032258X20962833
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-258X

Abstract

In order to better understand the use of tactical police resources in Canada we interviewed patrol and tactical officers ( N = 28) from three Canadian police services. A thematic analysis indicated that tactical officers are primarily responding to calls beyond the capabilities of patrol to resolve optimally which included high-risk calls as denoted by the presence of risk-factors and calls unfolding in special environments . Further, tactical officer response is thought to result in a reduced threat to officer and public safety . Our findings suggest that in contrast to previous claims, tactical officers are often responding to calls where significant risk is present.