By CHAT News Today

Medicine Hat Police Service to train officers to use less-lethal weapon

Oct 22, 2018 | 6:25 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service will begin training patrol officers in the use of a less-lethal weapon next month.

Starting in November, 12 officers will be trained to use a 37mm single-shot projectile launcher which launches a large plastic round.

The weapon can be used it situations where long ranges are needed to create greater distance between the officer and the high-risk person, and potentially avoid the need to escalate to the use of lethal force with firearms.

“This is a device that’s less lethal,” said S/Sgt. Kelsey Fraser. “It’s not a non-lethal device, it’s less-lethal and it basically fits between using a tazer or opting to a firearm.”

The launcher is the same one which has been used by the Tactical Team for several years, and is being added as a resource for patrol officers to address distance limitations of conducted energy weapons.

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“This is a tool that sits in the back of their vehicle that, if they need it, they have it and we’re supporting it,” said Chief Andy McGrogan. “The members are as well.”

“Whatever we can do to help increase the safety of our citizens, in multiple different ways, I think is a benefit to our community,” said Greg Keen, chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission.

The program’s cost is $9,300 with an estimated equipment lifespan of seven to 10 years.

When the training program is finished, the police service will have up to four officers on the streets at any one time who are able to use the projectile launcher.

(CHAT News Today)