WATCH: The RCMP will take over operational command of security at Parliament Hill, in the wake of last October’s attack. As Mike Le Couteur reports, other changes are also in the works.
OTTAWA — The RCMP will assume command of security for the entire parliamentary precinct. A source told Global News the move will ensure there is a more integrated chain of command and clear accountability.
“Currently there are multiple police services responsible for different areas of Parliament Hill which leads to bureaucratic silos,” said the source.
“Given the profile of Parliament, and that it is the strongest symbol of our democracy, we must integrate security to better protect Parliament and the people on Parliament Hill.”
READ MORE: Parliament Hill shooting top political story of 2014: exclusive poll
At the time of the Oct. 22 attack on Parliament Hill, there were three levels of security on the Hill:
- House of Commons and Senate security forces were in charge of the interior of any buildings where MPs and senators conduct business in and around the parliamentary precinct.
- RCMP were in charge of security only on the grounds of Parliament Hill.
- Ottawa Police were in charge of anything that occurred just beyond the gates of Parliament Hill.
WATCH: Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers named ambassador to Ireland
Critics said the myriad of security forces overseeing security on and around the Hill led to confusion and a slower than ideal response on the day of the attacks. Retired Ottawa police officer Douglas Kirkland said a problem with the response to the Oct. 22 attacks was an apparent lack of communication.
“For some reason, the outside, which was reacting, didn’t get the word to the inside,” he said.
The announcement is expected to come later on Wednesday.
Comments