Counter-terrorism activities were going on in Airdrie last week and we all went about our business blissfully unaware.  

This activity though was three days of Counter-Terrorism Information Office (CTIO) training conducted by the Alberta RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) that ran from June 27th to 29th in the city.

The CTIO program enhances public safety by augmenting national security resources on the ground, involving all interested communities and strengthening intelligence-led policing throughout Alberta.  The workshop's goal was to inform and educate first responders with different agencies on key indicators of potential criminal/terrorist activity that might otherwise go unnoticed or unreported.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police - Counter-Terrorism and National Security Committee supports the program and aims to have a CTIO in all law enforcement agencies and detachments in Canada.

A CTIO will serve as the principal point of contact between their office and INSET and receives terrorism awareness training, information, and intelligence from INSET members and the RCMP National Security Program.

Supt. Cliff O'Brien of the Calgary Police Service said, "In today's ever-changing world, where events and activities across the globe have an impact right here at home, it is vital that as police agencies, we collaborate.  This collaboration is required not only in the midst of an ongoing incident but also in the constant sharing of knowledge as we work tirelessly to protect our communities.  This training is a tangible and valuable example of this."

Supt. Stacey Talbot, Alberta RCMP, explained that “The CTIO program harmonizes the work of the Canadian law enforcement community in regard to preventing, investigating and responding to potential national security threats and terrorist activities.” Supt. Talbot added that “Workshops such as CTIO strengthen the well-established partnerships the Alberta RCMP has established with law enforcement and other partners.”

The CTIO workshop enhances the RCMP's efforts to reduce crime across Alberta. The program has been implemented across Canada and includes numerous partner agencies such as municipal police, corrections, fisheries, conservation officers, sheriffs, social services and many other partners.

 

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