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“We say that this information will only be shared with people who have been heavily vetted,” she said.

“One of the lessons we learned, post Oct. 22, is that information is shared, but when it’s shared, it’s because of an officer safety issue or a public safety issue. Making the determination whether the information you have is an officer safety or public safety issue within PPS’s jurisdiction is the initial phase, and if the answer is yes, then the information is disclosed, but having that extra step delays the initial sharing of information, so it’s really important to have a common standard for everybody who’s operational, who’s front-line, so that flow of information and inter-operability isn’t compromised.”

The more extensive check, she added, also cuts down the possibility of what are commonly referred to as “insider threats.”

“You want to ensure the integrity of your organization, that your employees that work within your organization are professional and are there to fulfill the mission and protect Canada’s integrity.

“And you want to ensure the safety of your own employees. When you work in a public safety environment, you’re more subject to being blackmailed if there are things in your life that could be used against you. Things like your finances or your immediate friends and family and their associations. You want to make sure you’re not subject to extortion or blackmail.

“It’s there to protect employees just as much as to protect public safety and the institution.”

bdeachman@postmedia.com