The Halton Regional Police Service Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU) was formed in 1980 to provide an additional level of support to the Service in situations such as:
- High-risk stronghold assaults - barricaded or otherwise
- High-risk prisoner escort/witness protection
- High-risk vehicle assaults
- High-risk arrests
- Injured person rescue
- Stealth entry into premises
- Crisis intervention first response - emotionally disturbed or persons in crisis
The original Tactical Rescue Unit consisted of part-time members who performed regular policing duties but were on call for tactical operations. With the implementation of Provincial Adequacy Standards in January 2001, TRU became a full-time operation within the
Emergency Services Unit.
In addition to providng emergency Service support, the HRPS Tactical Rescue Unit performs the following non-emergency duties:
- Containment of premises pending warrants
- Searches for missing persons
- Evidence searches
- Surveillance of premises
- Public speaking engagements
- Enforcement of federal, provincial and municipal statutes
- Assistance to Halton and Hamilton police canine officers when requested
- Patrolling in a proactive, reactive and crime preventative manner
HRPS TRU team members also participate in patrol functions and augment staffing in each of the
Districts.
All members of the TRU team receive regular, specialized training in weaponry and skills that enable them to provide effective response using the minimum amount of force.