Dans la peau d'un tireur d'élite du Groupe tactique d'intervention de la Ville de Québec

After visiting the upper levels of the Videotron Centre with the Tactical Intervention Group (GTI), TVA Nouvelles obtained exclusive access to an extraordinary training exercise. The GTI took us to its firing range. A secret location whose address must be kept confidential at the request of the Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ). “The GTI carries out between 100 and 130 missions per year. People think the GTI is only deployed in very specific ways each year, when in fact it’s quite regular. Depending on the mission, they have a duty to be stealthy,” explains Jean-François Bernier, an inspector with the SPVQ. Did you know that each member of this group has received training from the FBI? With such frequent interventions, an exercise like this becomes necessary. The goal is to create a scenario or course that closely resembles reality. “It’s target shooting; it always replicates the action in relation to the targets or the threat,” adds Mr. Bernier. Among the other specialties within the GTI are snipers: another type of training. “Snipers aren’t just there for active engagement, but also to provide information to officers in the field, as observers. It takes exemplary composure.” These officers all began their careers in the same place, on patrol. A job praised by the GTI lieutenant, whose identity will not be revealed for confidentiality reasons. “All the officers who are part of the GTI started in a patrol car. We have the opportunity to train, to be equipped, and to maintain our skills. But the most important work right now is done in the field, and where there is the most risk and danger, is for the patrol car operators,” he explains. To move from patrol to GTI, one must be patient, have a minimum of four years of service and go through a process of tests and training lasting several months.