In light of tragic events that unfolded in Ottawa Wednesday morning, Edmonton police said officers were ready to deal with a threat – although there was no indication of a possible threat at the time.
“This morning’s events in Ottawa have saddened us all,” Edmonton Police Service officials said in a statement Wednesday evening.
The statement went on to say EPS has not received information leading them to believe a threat in Edmonton is imminent.
“We want to reassure Edmontonians that our officers are trained to deal with any threat and respond accordingly,” EPS Deputy Chief Danielle Campbell said in a statement.
Police said possible terrorism activities in the Edmonton-area are monitored by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), with help from EPS – with two full-time EPS officers assigned to the team that also includes members from RCMP, CSIS, CBSA and other law enforcement partners.
However, police asked that Edmontonians be aware of ‘suspicious behaviours’ related to radicalization and terrorism, and report them to police.
Police said a significant change in behaviour, including unusual disappearances or internet activity, or becoming involved in criminal activities could be signs – and EPS asked them to report it to the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or #377 on a mobile phone.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
