Training is underway for a new firearm being added to the Windsor Police Service.
Frontline officers will be outfitted with C-8 Patrol Carbine rifles. Over 200 officers are expected to be trained by year’s end.
“I have been one of the first cars to respond to a barricaded situation where the person has had a firearm,” says Const. Steve MacDonald. “We're trained to call the proper people in place to come and resolve the situation but it could escalate at any time."
The rifles will replace 12-gauge shotguns normally equipped by the emergency services unit and supervisors.
"With just looking at shotguns, we only had eight in deployment, and that really put risk at our officers to put containment on a house that had a barricaded suspect inside with a weapon," says Const. Ken Price, who was training other officers how to use the weapon on Wednesday.
Almost all other police services are equipped with the rifles. Windsor police say they're adding the firearm to its arsenal to keep up with current trends.
“I think it would be great for us to engage if need be," says Const. Bianca Jackson.
When approaching target rich environments, the carbine rifle can create a safer distance and a more accurate shot.
"It's smaller, it's easier to handle, it has more bullet capacity," says Sgt. Jeff Mailloux.
Fifteen new rifles have been approved by the police board, costing about $2,000 each.
Those in training believe the rifle is similar to the firearm currently in use.
"The grip a lot of the mechanics of the weapon is similar to our pistols, so the transition seems to be very smooth," says MacDonald.
Some police vehicles will be outfitted with patrol rifles this summer. It's expected all patrol officers will be trained by the end of the year.
