Kelowna

It's called a Tactical Armoured Vehicle or TAV - and, it's the latest tool in the RCMP's crime fighting arsenal.

Photo: Contributed - RCMP

The national police force purchased 18 of these armoured vehicles back in July for use by Emergency Response Teams across the country.

One of these arrived in the Okanagan in late January.

It will be based out of Kelowna for use by the Southeast District Emergency Response Team.

The vehicle has been cruising Kelowna streets over the past few days on training exercises.

According to a factsheet supplied by the RCMP the TAV will be utilized by ERT's as their primary support vehicle when responding to calls.

They are adaptable and designed to maximize safety for a wide range of incidents the ERT's face including hostage takings, armed standoffs, barricaded persons and search and rescue operations.

The vehicles provide a 360 degree observation tower, advanced ballistic and explosive protection and have impressive off-road capabilities.

"We're proud to have acquired this impressive tool," stated RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson when the vehicles were delivered.

"It will help keep our members safe and increase their ability to intervene when communities face dangerous circumstances."

The vehicles were designed and built by Navistar Defence Canada Inc. after years of research and development.

"We could not use just any vehicle," added Paulson.

"We needed a very specifically designed, multi-use armoured vehicle tailored to the unique needs of a national police force in Canada."

Information specs on the TAV:

• Contains: Gun ports, sentry hatches, protected observation station, elevated ladder platform system, fire detection/suppression system, front bumper winch, first aid equipment, infrared night lighting.
• Weight: Can carry a full Emergency Response Team in addition to 1,000 lbs. for tools and additional equipment.
• Design: Designed by RCMP engineers, built by Navistar Defence Canada Inc.
• Cost of Navistar contract: $12,406,926.32 USD + tax = $14,019,826.74 USD or around $778,000 each.
• Life span: Approx. 15 years.