Hill Security

The recent and tragic deaths of two Canadians, one a serving member of the military and the other a reservist, has once again elevated the discussion regarding security levels for what are considered targets for those with an axe to grind. Unlike normal police investigations which focuses on evidence as it relates to the possible infraction of a law, protective policing has vastly different challenges. While authorities can create certain protective conditions, it is almost impossible to offer a guaranty of complete security. Protecting static sites is a challenge in that routine and monotony is an ever-present defence weakness.

In the days ahead, there will be calls for more security in and around the Parliamentary precinct and perhaps the War Memorial. History has shown that governments are more willing to fund what they perceive as a problem in times of crisis. When the perceived problem subsides, they will deplete those resources thinking they are not required.

Hopefully, these latest incidents will not prompt a knee-jerk reaction but one that is thoroughly realistic for the longer term. As no one wants to see a fortress on the Hill, those responsible to find the right balance between an appropriate level of protection and the public's right for access do have their work cut out.