Tactical Team

High-risk occurrences are part of the job, but no unit faces them more than the Tactical Team.

The Edmonton Police Service Tactical Team Unit was formed in 1973 as a result of a study conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The study indicated that any city with a substantial population should have a specialized unit to deal with high-risk occurrences.

The Tactical Section consists of one Staff Sergeant, one Training and Tactics Sergeant and three full-time Tactical Teams. On any given day, Tactical Teams have to be ready to face:

• High-risk occurrences involving hostages or armed and barricaded persons
• Apprehension of dangerous criminals
• Execution of high-risk search warrants
• Assisting other areas such as Homicide, Drug and Gang Unit
• V.I.P. security duties
• Consulate liaison duties

Tactical Section also has several sub-units that include:

• Hostage Negotiators
• Explosive Disposal Unit
• Sniper Unit

 EPS members with approximately eight years of service can apply and compete for positions with the Tactical Section. Members must be exceptional police officers with excellent decision making skills, be motivated and receive a Gold level consistently in physical fitness testing.

Interested individuals compete in Tactical Reserve Mini-Camp that consists of fitness, marksmanship, observation skills and cognitive thinking. Next step is the successful completion of the 10-week Tactical Reserve Class and you’re in.