Smithers RCMP officers have been trained to use carbines requested by the local detachment in the wake of the Moncton and Ottawa tragedies.
As part of her regular presentation at the Town of Smithers council meeting, on Oct. 28 Staff Sgt. Kirsten Marshall said some officers had been trained to use new carbines which are being sent to the detachment.
“Particularly in light of some of the more recent events, Moncton and in Ottawa, these are something that we want to have on hand in case there are any issues,” she said.
“We’re anticipating within the month that we’ll have a couple of the actual carbines in the detachment just as a resource.”
Some local RCMP members have been trained to use the guns, however Marshall said it was not possible for every officer to receive the training.
“Only a few people are trained to use them but, much like our (tasers), we train as many as we can but the reality is that that’s not always everybody.”