Queen’s Park security service to carry handguns starting March 21
Posted March 10, 2016 3:30 pm.
Last Updated March 10, 2016 3:35 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Armed legislative security officers will begin patrolling Queen’s Park in just over a week’s time.
A memo from speaker Dave Levac confirms a number of current officers with the security service will begin carrying holstered handguns as of March 21.
The Legislative Security Service has a total of 75 officers. No word on how many of them will be armed.
“My goal when considering appropriate security arrangements is always to balance the need for the Parliamentary Precinct to be an open and welcoming place for all while at the same time ensuring everyone can go about their business in a secure and safe environment,” said Levac.
The new “armed response unit” comes after a review of security at the Ontario Legislature in the wake of the Parliament Hill shooting in October 2014.
This is not the first time armed officers have patrolled Queen’s Park. Prior to the LSS being established in 1997, security was provided by the OPP, who carried sidearms.
