Municipal budget committee wants more information on police armoured vehicle purchase 

The municipality’s budget committee sought more details regarding Halifax Regional Police’s request for funding an armoured vehicle, before it moved toward approving the region’s capital plan. 

Coun. Shawn Cleary (District 9, Halifax West Armdale) motioned for the chief administrative officer to request a debriefing note that would include the make and model of the vehicle, its intended use and a operational policy. That motion passed. 

“It’s not necessarily that I think any of us are against it in principle,” Cleary said, “but the thing for us is the information that’s lacking,”  

The proposed vehicle would have level 4 armament — the highest allowed for law enforcement in Canada — with gun ports but no gun attachments. Officers inside the vehicle could be armed. 

“It is, in its simplest case, a big ballistic vest,” said Halifax Regional Police (HRP) chief Don MacLean. 

The cost of the armoured vehicle would be $600,000. Council approved an additional $474,000 last year for the purchase of two armoured Ford F-350s, which are currently in Halifax. However, the trucks are not yet ready for service. 

Coun. John Young (District 14 Middle/Upper Sackville) asked chief MacLean when and where the vehicle would be used. 

“I cannot quote a policy because we don’t have one,” said MacLean, adding the vehicle would only be used for critical incidents, such as active shootings and hostage situations. 

The exact make and model of the vehicle is not yet known, as it will be acquired through a bidding process rather than direct purchase to save costs. 

Committee members agreed to approve the funding in principle for now, allowing for the vehicle’s procurement, with the final bid award to be brought back to council for approval. 

Chief administrative officer Cathie O’Toole explained that, while this is typically an amount she can approve as CAO, she preferred the matter be brought back to council. 

“Given the sensitivity about this, I’m not really comfortable approving it. I would rather see it come back to council and have council approve the procurement award,” she said. 

RCMP vehicle available

Currently, HRP can request the RCMP’s tactical vehicle for critical situations. However, its availability is contingent on RCMP activity, vehicle maintenance, and staffing. Each use requires four RCMP officers. MacLean estimated the vehicle is outside HRP’s service area for about three out of every 10 days. 

MacLean said HRP has not needed the vehicle during those days. 

“I am going to say that’s luck,” he said. 

MacLean expressed concern about the unknown threats his officers face when responding to calls.  

He referenced a 2022 incident in which a police team in Victoria, B.C.,  responded to an armed robbery in two unarmoured vehicles, resulting in six officers being injured before reaching the building. 

“The things that do keep me up at night are the unknowns,” MacLean said. 

Committee members agreed that while more information was needed, the acquisition of the vehicle is necessary for officer safety. 

“The reality is that every day, the officers on the front lines defending themselves put themselves in dangerous situations,” said Coun. Patty Cuttell (District 11, Spryfield—Sambro Loop). “…protect those who are protecting us.”