Calgary Police Services members gave journalists a chance to take a glimpse into their world Thursday with a “use of force” demonstration.
There have been many recent incidents of cellphone video or photos capturing police officers using what some would deem to be “excessive force.”
Officers are often taught to use communication to de-escalate situations, but say sometimes they have no choice but to use force to maintain not only their safety, but that of the subject and public.
However, using force is not a decision that is taken lightly.
“We’re not working against them, it’s not us versus them,” said CPS Const. Marcus Egeborn. “We’re part of this community, we’ll be happy to help out.”
It isn’t always easy to stay calm in situations, but Egeborn said that it is all part of the officers’ training.
“We have to understand that you’re not representing yourself, you’re representing the law, the chief, the service of law enforcement officers, your neighbours, and the community as a whole.”
Media were shown how they access crime scenes, use weapons and how officers are trained to always try to communicate with subjects, using force as a last resort.
Still, Calgary Police Chief Roger Chaffin said the officers do what they think is best in the situation and the moment that they are in.
“You’re thinking about these things in split seconds, not in days, months weeks and years: ‘what if I do nothing, what if I do something?’”
With a report from Global’s Mia Sosiak