Regional police are clarifying why a sniper was stationed above the St. Paddy’s Day student street party in Waterloo, stating it was part of a safety strategy for what they describe as “large gatherings with mass casualty considerations.”
Footage and images have been circulating on social media showing an officer with a high-powered rifle on a balcony overlooking the festivities on Marshall Street below, on Saturday afternoon.
A statement from the Waterloo Regional Police Service to 570 News Radio explained that the officer was “positioned in elevated locations to allow them to monitor the entire area and identify potential safety concerns that may not be visible to officers on the ground.”
Safety barriers were also put in place to prevent any vehicles from driving into the crowd.
Police Chief Mark Crowell mentioned that past incidents of mass casualties have influenced emergency response tactics for all large gatherings.
He noted that officers successfully managed a significant unsanctioned gathering while ensuring safety for everyone involved.
Waterloo Mayor Dorothy Mc Cabe expressed her “surprise and shock” upon learning about the deployment of a police sniper and has since requested a meeting with the chief to discuss its necessity.
Mc Cabe stated she wasn’t informed beforehand about any threats involving weapons, extreme violence, or other issues that would justify having a sniper present.
In a statement to 570 News Radio on Monday morning, Mc Cabe said:
“I was surprised to learn that the Waterloo Regional Police preparations for the unsanctioned street gathering include such extreme safety measures. While the City of Waterloo and WRPS have a long history of working together for community safety, in our two-tiered municipal system, the Chief does not report to me as Mayor and I don’t sit on the police board. I have spoken with Chief Crowell, and have a more fulsome understanding of the comprehensive plans they have in place. I am confident that police, bylaw and other emergency service partners continue to take a professional approach to the safety and wellbeing of our community. I still have more questions, as I know residents do, and I will schedule time to meet with Chief Crowell once the operational period has ended and we have all the details on this year’s event.”
Police announced they won’t disclose how many tickets were issued or if any arrests occurred at the street party until after St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday.
Guelph Police informed 570 News Radio that it seems there was no similar student street party in their city, nor were there any major incidents reported.
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