Two RCMP officers, dressed in paramilitary camouflage, were perched on the rooftop of RCMP headquarters during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph in front of the building. One of them had binoculars while the other appeared to have a rangefinder commonly used by sniper teams to identify targets. Both carried several high capacity ammunition magazines on their chests. - Walter Strong/NNSL photo |
Armed Mounties on rooftops for Remembrance Day
RCMP officers posted to three different roofs around city during outdoor event
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Published Friday, November 14, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The RCMP is not saying exactly why officers, including at least one armed with a rifle, were positioned on several different rooftops during Remembrance Day ceremonies on Tuesday.
Two officers, dressed in paramilitary-style camouflage fatigues, one holding a rifle, were seen on the roof at St. Patrick and Weledeh Catholic school prior to the Remembrance Day ceremony inside. Two officers were also posted to the roof of the Royal Canadian Legion downtown Tuesday as well as at RCMP headquarters, where a ceremony took place at the cenotaph in front of the building.
Those Mounties were also dressed in camouflage fatigues. No rifle was seen, but at least one was wearing a sidearm and both had high capacity ammunition magazines strapped to their chests. They also had binoculars and what appeared to be a rangefinder used by sniper teams while surveying the crowd.
Cpl. Todd Scaplen, a spokesperson for RCMP G Division stated in an e-mail, that during the ceremonies the Mounties utilized different security measures, vantage points, and tactics to ensure the public and those partaking in the Remembrance Day ceremony were protected in the event of any security issues.
He stated that he could not specifically discuss any particulars surrounding what resources and tactics were used for the security measures. The RCMP does have a variety of different tools and intervention options available should there be any breaches or threats to the public, he added.
In an earlier interview, Scaplen said whether it be the Canada Day parade or Remembrance Day, it's not uncommon for there to be an armed RCMP presence. Scaplen said the increased security may or may not have been in response to the violent deaths of Canadian military members last month in Ottawa and near Montreal.
"We are always adjusting our security measures so that the public is not left in a vulnerable position," he said.
He could not discuss what kind of rifle the officer on the roof at St. Pat's was carrying, he said.
"It was not a sniper rifle," he said.
Scaplen said he is aware that officers dressed in their ceremonial red serge uniforms for Remembrance Day were armed.
"That's their call," he said. "If you were going to a regimental ball in your ceremonial uniform for instance, you probably wouldn't carry a sidearm."
Capt. Bonnie Wilkin, a spokesperson for Joint Task Force North (JTFN), stated in an e-mail to Yellowknifer that for reasons of operational security she could not discuss the specifics of any protective measures that may have been in place in order to ensure the on-going safety of military members and the general public.
Colleen McDonald, principal at St. Pat's, said the RCMP approached school officials last week asking that officers be allowed on the roof for Remembrance Day. The assistant principal referred them to the maintenance staff and arrangements were made to allow them access to the roof, she said.
"It's probably in response to the deaths of the members of the Canadian military last month," McDonald said.
"It's unfortunate but it hits home that we're living in a different world and there is heightened awareness."
"It's shocking," said Weledeh MLA Bob Bromley, who attended the service at St. Pat's but didn't actually see the officers on the roof.
"It's a sad state of affairs and I'm not sure it's necessary unless there are direct concerns and evidence suggesting those actions are needed.
"It influences people's feelings of fear. I'm not a fan of these types of actions. I think it's more than is warranted," Bromley said.
"No doubt there is a more war-like atmosphere under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper."
Mayor Mark Heyck, however, said he had no problem with what appeared to be increased Remembrance Day security.
"JTFN consulted with me to let me know there would be enhanced security for Remembrance Day this year," the mayor said.
"I believe we owe it to our military members to ensure their safety. We likely have a lower risk level due to our location but local armed forces members need to feel safe when they are in uniform out in the public."
City councillor Rebecca Alty said she noticed the officers on the roof of RCMP headquarters when she attended the ceremony at the cenotaph.
"It was like a weird movie," she said. "This isn't how we want to live but at the same time we don't won't to fall into a trap where we think (an attack) couldn't happen here."
She said she was in Israel recently where it is not uncommon to see armed soldiers on public buses.
"I don't want that to become the norm here. We don't want to live the rest of our lives in fear. The message of love is what should be remembered on Remembrance Day," she said.
