Armed U.S. border guards could soon be posted to Union Station — and if they ever use their guns, they may not be held accountable in a Canadian court.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015...n-station.html
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Armed U.S. border guards could soon be posted to Union Station — and if they ever use their guns, they may not be held accountable in a Canadian court.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015...n-station.html
I believe that was part of the joint effort announced 2-3 years ago?
In essence, US leo in our territory, and any of ours operating in theirs are in effect authorized with powers of arrest and can use deadly force and more. I seem to recall something about US personnel being stationed in Toronto as well as part of it.
Given the amount of cross "border" traffic on the Great Lakes and elsewhere and given the new realities post 911 and now ISIS. Me I have no problems with it (US LEO being authorized here). In fact with the growing "threat" ISIS and radicals now present.
Almost wonder if someone in Ottawa was thinking ahead and had foresight.
This isn't really something new. For decades we've had US customs officers in Canada at our international airports (Toronto,Ottawa - not sure about Vancouver) - but I'm not sure they are armed. Pearson to LAX is a US domestic flight.
JBen.....authorized to use deadly force is one thing, being immune to Canadian laws regarding said use of deadly force is an entirely different matter. I can't say that I'm in favour of that aspect.
what does customs pre-clearance have to do with using dealy force and being immune to the applicable law. sounds like big headlines...
however, the question why they need to be armed is valid - it's primarily an administrative job. an I bet there are armed Canadian LEOs around. there are a bunch of other US government officals that are armed back home and they cannot bring their arms anywhere outside their homeland when on duty (without any local LEO backup). no issues
Understood Rick, that's the "dicey" part of it. I would like to hope that any US leo operating here are a) well trained b) good and c) well versed in our laws.
We've seen numerous post Sky Pilot and his thoughts on many things. He is US leo, I wouldn't be concerned if he was armed at Union Station with full authorization. And If (when) the hits the fan at Union station, better them than one (hundreds) of us.
In the event something happens some day it is entirely possible one leo could cross lines, or harm/kill an innocent, and as a result not face prosecution here.
The same holds true for any of our leo, on their side of the border.
"Take care of your own".
Meaning, if one of ours gets caught up in something, and it's somewhat controversial. Maybe he/she is white and the deceased is ethinic. Would be easy for their media and politicians to go over the top and on a witch hunt, make an example of him/her. All kinds of political points up for grabs and nothing to lose, its just a Canadian cop. I personally would want one of ours "tried" here.
I think we can extend the same to theirs.Just my thoughts on it.
Customs pre-clearance involves the same "us border guards" that this article is about. And they work under US law within our airports.Quote:
Originally Posted by Waftrudnir
From http://www.cp24.com/news/canada-u-s-...aits-1.2281362
"It would take the pre-clearance customs system already in place at major Canadian airports and apply that to land and maritime vehicles, allowing travellers to clear customs before the border."
So it's nothing new - just applying what has been going on for decades in airports to land and marine crossings.
And its not even "news". It was news over a month ago when it was announced.
"While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers now preclear passengers at eight Canadian airports including Pearson, only police may carry firearms in airports, so border agents stationed there aren’t armed. The deal is promoted as a measure to facilitate trade and benefit the economy on both sides of the border, but critics say little notice has been taken of the clause that grants U.S. agents immunity from Canadian prosecution."
I like the idea of having an armed officer around a crowded area like Union Station, American or not. Some crazy could do a lot of damage if he started shooting in one of those places. Maybe I am wrong, but I still trust the cops.
I'm with you Woody. I wouldn't care what nationality the good guy with the gun is, as long as they take out the bad guy with the gun.
They are NOT armed!Quote:
Originally Posted by werner.reiche
Exactly right. It'll be a frosty day in he** before U.S. law enforcement will ever be able to use deadly force in Canada without full and complete accountability the same as our own officers. This article is simply more typical Toronto Star fear-mongering bordering on total BS. There's really is no end to the Liberal jackasses,is there?Quote:
Originally Posted by Brampton Mike
That's not true Trimmer, it was put in place as I said 3 years ago. I don't recall all the details but any such cross border actives there will be one "home" country officer supervising the foreign officers.
This latest with respect to Union station is "new", but if I recall correctly ( I may not) there were discussions or it was tabled or something that there might be US officers in Toronto. In the article I've linked they mention land based activities.
US LEO operating here have the same powers as the RCMP.
One article from 3 years ago.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cross-...ries-1.1162116
If you read the entire Act,nowhere does it give US police forces blanket authority to act within our borders. Officers with American designation are specifically appointed as such only after completion of intense training courses in Canadian law administered by the RCMP. Appointed individuals must work with RCMP unless "in fresh pursuit" on inland border waters by US Border Patrol,US Coast Guard,federal or state Police and must obey all Canadian laws with respect to evidentiary procedure and The Criminal Code of Canada. The Act is also a reciprocal agreement including Canadian Police personnel on the same basis within the US. You can readily realize that only certain individuals will have the necessary training and authority.Quote:
Originally Posted by JBen
The Star article leaves the reader with the impression that all Canada is about to be invaded by US Police Forces bringing Canadian sovereignty into serious jeopardy when nothing could be further from ther truth. The ba***rds are bald-faced lying.....as usual.
Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
I wish there was a "LIKE" button?
Been a while since I was in Toronto, but what the hell border do you cross travelling from Union Station? Has Toronto Island seceded?
Not what was said or what I was "responding" to.Quote:
If you read the entire Act,nowhere does it give US police forces blanket authority to act within our borders. Officers with American designation are specifically appointed as such only after completion of intense training courses in Canadian law administered by the RCMP
This isn't about right or wrong Trimmer,Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
Per the article and agreement signed in 2011
They are armed, have the same power as the RCMP, and have been here for years. Under supervision and conducting themselves per our laws/standards (which wasn't what was initially posted) does not equate to full and complete accountability should something happen (hasn't yet) should they be tried in the US.
Hence "not true", so please "don't tell me to read the act or agreement", especially when in an earlier post I already said, they are good, trained in our laws and supervised. "hell is already cold" :), just hasn't frozen yet ( an incident that creates a need to test things).
Just wanted to add, with respect to "fear mongering" I quite agree. I'm perfectly fine with them being here (armed and authorized). In the event something one day does happen that creates a "shyte storm" and you know the left and many more will go ballistic…..
Just as I'd want one of ours given a fair trial here (see whats occurring in the US when a leo there shoots….)…I think we can extend the same to them.
Exactly Woody. Couldn't agree more. But you know the L . L. L .always have to complicate, muddy, and distort any and all things the evil Harper even thinks about doing , irregardless of possible benefits. Unfortunately that's just the way it is with with all of our L. Wing rags and and their very own cheer leading cbc and McLeans.Quote:
Originally Posted by woody1948
Agreed. I have no problem with armed officers in large entry points be it land or air. These are juicy targets for the cowardly terrorists.Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21