Border agency mulls giving guns to airport officers
Minister Stockwell Day speaks to reporters at an Ottawa airport, while Canada Border Services Agency agents stand next to him, on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. (Public Safety Canada / MARKETWIRE PHOTO)
Updated: Fri Mar. 19 2010 5:42:04 PM
OTTAWA
— Canada's border agency is looking at giving guns to officers working at airports.
The proposal is part of a broad review of the Canada Border Services Agency's 10-year program to arm 4,800 officers, including those at land crossings and sea ports.
An internal evaluation says the main reason for not arming officers at airports to date is that police officers are already on patrol.
But it notes this runs counter to a key rationale for the program -- reducing the burden on police and other enforcement agencies.
The border agency says its next review, to be completed by the end of 2011, will "assess the need to arm officers at international airports."
An agency spokeswoman says it's premature to discuss the matter further.
The RCMP declined to comment on how the proposal might affect the force's presence at airports.
Overall, the evaluation says the plan to arm officers has gone well, helping to create a greater sense of professionalism among officers.
However, it noted a few gaps.
The reviewers found concern about the lack of training for unarmed officers working alongside colleagues with guns.
In particular, it was felt unarmed officers may not know how to protect themselves and the public in situations involving use of a duty firearm.
The border services agency says procedures are being developed to cover such scenarios.