Why all the police on Leighs Bay Road? (6 photos)

Leighs Bay Road was the scene and a mock hostage situation was the scenario Tuesday as the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Emergency Services Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police Tactical Response Unit engaged in an important training exercise.

Specifically, the two forces were running through procedures that would see the situation transition from Sault Ste. Marie Police Service command to the Ontario Provincial Police.

Deputy Chief Sean Sparling told media it’s part of a reciprocal agreement made between the provincial and municipal units.

“One of the ways we assist each other is through tactical response,” he said. “We’ve had opportunity here in the north to actually take tactical calls on behalf of the OPP until they get there. Also, if we ever needed their assistance… they would come and assist us as well. The actual hand-off of the incident, that’s what this exercise is about. How to hand off the incident is very important to train for.”

Tuesday’s exercise was the first of two major annual training operations for Sault Police officers, the second of which will take place this coming fall.

However, members of the tactical team and incident commanders train on a regular basis, Deputy Chief Sparling said.

They undergo rigorous instruction from Metro Toronto Police in order to be part of the team, he explained.

“Just like anything else, it’s important to train in what could happen. Officers that are here today not only include the tactical units, but negotiators that are highly trained in crisis negotiation for situations like these,” said Constable Troy Miller. “It’s very important that they train on a regular basis and keep their skills to current levels.”

Tactical Team members are often dispatched to execute drug warrants and accompany officers to similar calls.

Deputy Chief Sparling estimates the Tactical Team as a full unit is dispatched between 12 and 20 times on average per year.