ERT training in streets
Rob Gibson - Jul 19, 2019 - Biz Releases

Residents in the Agassiz and Barlee road area of Kelowna were concerned by a heavy police presence on Wednesday, but it turned out to be a training exercise.

Despite signs on the street in front of an unoccupied residence, some residents were caught off guard by numerous police vehicles, officers with guns drawn and a K-9 unit in the neighbourhood.

Emergency Response Teams are the police tactical unit of the RCMP.

According to RCMP, “the ERT is a group of highly trained RCMP members capable of employing specialized weapons, equipment, and tactics to resolve extremely high-risk situations.”

“This unit is based in Kelowna, and it’s important for them to train in a realistic setting,” Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said. “We understand it can be alarming, which is why we post signs on the street.”

The teams operate as a floating work unit, which allows them to be called up for duty on a moment’s notice.


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