For any one who’s watched video of the confrontation stage of the very recent Toronto van attack, you  might ask why the first Police Officer on-scene didn’t discharge his weapon when confronted with the suspected driver? The person claimed that he had a gun in his pocket, repeatedly reached and quick-drew an object as if to shoot at the officer. The officer had his weapon drawn also, but was distracted at multiple moments, including to reach into his car at one point to switch off the sirens, and to radio for help.

It is early in the reporting cycle, but this footage is interesting if it is usual practice in Canada/Toronto is to permit an officer to take such risks in the name of negotiation/arrest. More information will invariably follow and it will be informative to hear the from the Canadian Government as it becomes available.

Yours in security risk and resilience,

Konrad Buczynski

Industry Risk is Australia’s shining light in solutions for Protective Security and Business Resilience. We welcome opportunities to assist entities in getting to a security baseline, then helping guide them in more advanced endeavours.