Frontline Calgary police officers to be issued 'less-lethal' weapons

The arsenal of weapons at the disposal of Calgary Police Service officers just got a little bigger, but also a little less lethal.

An announcement from the CPS stated that they would be launching a Patrol Less Lethal program this summer, which will see less-lethal weapons in the hands of 40 trained officers.

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According to the release, the program was created to address a gap in the tools currently available for CPS officers on the front line of duty, who will now be carrying a single-shot 37mm ARWEN ACE-T Less Lethal Launcher and an ARWEN AR-1 Impact Baton, which is ammunition for the launcher.

ARWEN ACE-T Less Lethal Launcher (policeordnance.com)

“These systems provide patrol officers with the ability to create distance from high-risk persons while using sound tactics, communication skills, and de-escalation techniques,” said Staff Sergeant Jason Bobrowich, Patrol Less Lethal program’s lead, in the release.

“This program is being implemented to help save lives.”

A total of 40 officers will be trained in — and equipped with — the launcher by the end of this summer, and 160 frontline officers are expected to receive the same weapon and training by the end of 2019.

“Public and officer safety, along with the sanctity of life, remain the Service’s top priority,” Bobrowish said.

“Adopting the ARWEN Service-wide will change how frontline members work.”