Lethbridge Police acquire new armoured rescue vehicle

He explains that it will replace a 1993 converted armoured carrier truck that was purchased six years ago. The problem, however, is that it is considered to not be up to industry standards as the front end of the vehicle was not bullet proof.

Mehdizadeh added, “This vehicle is bullet proof all around and it can certainly protect our officers and the public when needed.”

The ARV will be used in situations where firearms are involved or if there is a significant risk of harm to police officers or the public. They are also capable of rescuing people, safely deploying chemical munitions, and enabling medics to be closer to the scene when a rapid response is required.

These types of vehicles have been in use at the LPS and many other police agencies for a long time, but Mehdizadeh notes that it is being used more often these days.

“Unfortunately, the use of our tactical unit has increased every year. Last year, I believe we used our tactical unit 17 times, which was more than the year before and it seems like a trend,” said Mehdizadeh.

Those calls for service involved armed, barricaded suspects, as well as high-risk warrant executions and large-scale public protests and demonstrations.

The new ARV will be the only one utilized by the LPS for the time being, but Mehdizadeh said he is always looking at new equipment that can better protect the public.

The Lethbridge Police Service has acquired a new armoured rescue vehicle, January 24, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

LPS Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh unveils the new armoured rescue vehicle, January 24, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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by David Opinko

Lethbridge Police acquire new armoured rescue vehicle

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