Regional police are explaining why they had a sniper overlooking the St. Paddy’s Day student street party in Waterloo, saying it was all part of a safety plan for what they call “large gatherings with mass casualty considerations.”
Videos and pictures have been going viral on social media of an officer with a high-powered rifle on a balcony overlooking the party on Marshall Street below, on Saturday afternoon.
A statement from the Waterloo Regional Police Service to 570 NewsRadio said 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 to prevent a vehicle from driving into the crowd had also been set up.
Police Chief Mark Crowell said the magnitude of unfortunate mass casualty events has shaped emergency response strategies for all large gatherings.
He said officers effectively managed a large unsanctioned gathering, upholding safety for all involved.
Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe said she was “surprised and shocked” to learn that a police sniper had been deployed, and has since requested a meeting with the chief to ask why it was necessary.
McCabe said she was not informed ahead of time of any concerns about weapons, extreme violence, or any other issues that would require a sniper.
In a statement to 570 NewsRadio, Monday morning, McCabe said:
“I was surprised to learn that the Waterloo Regional Police preparations for the unsanctioned street gathering includes 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 said they will not be releasing their tally of how many tickets were issued or if any arrests were made at the street party until after the actual St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday.
Guelph Police tell 570 NewsRadio it appears there was no such student street party in their city, and no major incidents were reported.
