The Government is committed to ensuring that law enforcement officers have the resources and support they need to protect Canadians and themselves.
Under the Criminal Code, public officers such as police officers are exempted from criminal offences related to the possession of firearms for the purpose of their duties or employment.
Like all Canadians, off-duty or retired police officers can obtain a firearms licence by fulfilling the requirements laid out in the Firearms Act.
As part of continuing efforts to ensure its officers are properly supported in their task of keeping Canadians safe, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is working to implement several key changes to its operating policy.
These changes include ensuring that: whenever possible, a long barreled weapon is in the police vehicle while on duty; firearms are stored with sufficient ammunition; shotguns are fitted with slings to enhance their deployment and safety; RCMP officers are provided with enhanced training related to firearms use; and the deployment of patrol carbines across the Force is expedited.
With respect to backup firearms, upon graduation, in addition to the RCMP service pistol, RCMP officers are qualified to use the RCMP duty shotgun and the RCMP patrol carbine. When responding to high risk calls for service, based on a risk assessment model, members may respond with an approved firearm in addition to their duty pistol; which by default becomes their backup firearm.
Importantly, the RCMP is now graduating more new officers than it has in years. There are 1,152 graduating cadets this year and 1,280 cadets due to graduate next year. This is more than triple the number of graduating cadets in 2013-2014.
Our Government will also bring together experts, practitioners, front-line personnel, and decision makers for a Summit on Gun and Gang Violence in March 2018. This conference will be an unprecedented opportunity devoted to the challenges, potential solutions and best practices in the fight against gun crime and in combating the deadly effects of gangs and illegal guns in communities across Canada. We hope to hear from many participants, including law enforcement agencies, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, community and mental health organizations, and Indigenous and non-governmental organizations.
In addition, our Government has committed $327.6 million over five years and $100 million ongoing to provide needed support to communities and law enforcement. Our Government will continue working collaboratively with stakeholders as we take reasonable and effective actions to achieve our goal of supporting law enforcement as they continue to keep Canadians safe.
<http://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/ePetitions/Responses/421/e-982/421-01973_PS_E.pdf>
Originally Posted by Wendell
Reply With Quote