T. A. C. T. / E. D. U. / Negotiator

T. A. C. T. (Tactical Arrest Control Team)

Purpose:

"Supporting the Service by Safely Controlling High Risk Situations with Tactical Team Intervention."

The Tactical Team was initially formed in 1975 made up of five members. The Team now consists of a thirteen officer Collateral Team. The Team consists of a Commander, Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, two Snipers, seven Operators, and an Auxiliary Sniper. The team generally has members represented on each of the four Patrol Crews, who provide “Enhanced Patrol” or Tactical Support during regular their duties. Members maintain expertise in, Specialty Impact Munitions, OC & Chemical Agents, Forced Entry, and Firearms, through a combination of in-service and outside training.  Recently much of the Team’s outside training has taken place in Calgary with the Calgary Police Service Tactical unit.  

In 2008 the team officially attended thirteen calls for service. These calls included; four High Risk Arrests, one Barricaded Subject, and eight High Risk Search Warrants.  In addition team members assisted on several less critical calls throughout the year where their specialized skills helped resolve incidents safely. 

E. D. U. (Explosives Disposal Unit)

The Medicine Hat Police Service Explosive Disposal Unit (E.D.U.) has been in existence since 1982 when the Service's first Police Explosive Technician was trained.

The UNIT IS CURRENTLY comprised of four members, two Police Explosive Technicians (PET); the NCO in charge, and 2 Police Explosive Technician Assistants.

The E.D.U. is equipped with all equipment required to enable the unit to respond to any complaint involving explosives or military ordinance.

In 2001 the Police Service acquired a modern Remote Mechanical Investigator affectionately known as 'Robbie II' This radio controlled investigator replaces 'Robbie I, a 1973 model robot. Robbie is equipped with the most advanced technology available today. He is capable of performing many tasks, using the various pieces of equipment such as extendable arm, oscillating hand, and laser sighted Pedsco disrupters. Robbie can climb and descend stairs. He can operate without a cable for a distance of 500 meters.

The addition of Robbie to the team has increased operator safety as there are now many situations where a device can be approached remotely and the operator is able to have a good picture of the immediate area by using one of the four cameras mounted on the robot. This signal is transmitted to a color monitor back at the unit vehicle.

Negotiator

The team consists of six sworn members who are highly trained in the field of crisis negotiations. The negotiators use the skill of communication to peacefully resolve volatile situations. The team works closely with the T.A.C.T. (Tactical Arrest Control Team). The main priority of the negotiators is for the safety of all people involved, this includes the community, police and the person in crisis.