MHPS members attend counter-terrorism conference at college
By Medicine Hat News on November 28, 2019.
Medicine Hat College hosted a conference last month for police offers from across the province to learn the latest in counter-terrorism strategies. Sgt. David Gornisiewicz was one of about a dozen Medicine Hat Police Service members to attend the three-day event, which took place from Oct. 28-30. “It was awareness-based training for police officers and those working in the security sector on how to proactively combat threats to public safety and identify potential acts of terrorism,” he told the News. This includes examining certain “triggers” that could serve as warning signs, as well as looking at ways law enforcement can collaborate with the general public and the corporate security “to disrupt security threats,” explained Gornisiewicz. “The training included sessions on the RCMP National Security Program, critical infrastructure, terrorism, public safety and collaborative community intelligence initiatives,” he added. Terrorist threats haven’t been a major issue in Medicine Hat, but Gornisiewicz says it’s an issue that has the potential to impact anyone. “It’s really about educating our members, as well as the people we work with, to be a little more vigilant and to pay attention to what goes on across Canada and in your own community,” he said. “On a local level, I don’t think we see as many issues here as you would see in the larger centres, such as Toronto or Ottawa.” Nonetheless, Gornisiewicz says Hatters should remain aware. “Pay attention to individuals that display certain behavioural characteristics, maybe are extremists, have certain politicized views and things like that,” he said. “It’s really just mainly about educating our people.” 11-10
