Tactical Team

The "B" Division Tactical Team is comprised of approximately 70 members from across Newfoundland and Labrador. While most serve in an operational capacity, there are members involved in logistics, training and administrative functions. When the team is deployed, members of the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services are included to increase the team's capacity to counter any type of public order situation.

In the past, the team was deployed to the Crab fishers demonstration where large numbers of protesters occupied the Provincial Fisheries building. This event was negotiated without any tactical intervention. The team was also sent to the visit of US President Bush to Halifax, where the "B" Division team was used in a "soft hat" capacity to ensure site integrity at Pier 21.

The team trains twice a year and often trains with other agencies such as Her Majesty's Penitentiary and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Tactical Team. Common tactics are pursued and coordinated with those agencies.

Within the team, there are several sub teams - arrest, gas, object removal and medical. All are outfitted in state of the art protective equipment which protects our members from impact, thrown objects, gas and fire.

While tactical teams are used primarily for public order like demonstrations, the team has other orders of dress which permits them to be used for missing persons search, evidence searches and neighbourhood canvasses.

Public order has become an ever increasing component of police work in the last decade, and the "B" Division team is ready to respond to any challenge.