The OPP has two new armoured rescue vehicles (ARVs) that will soon be used in high-risk incidents by its elite tactical units.

The force received the first vehicle at the end of August and the second arrived in September. The large black trucks, bigger than a Hummer but smaller than a transport truck, are customized to OPP specifications and will be operated by its Tactics & Rescue Units (T.R.U.).

The vehicles were made by Quebec-based company, Cambli International, after a tender process that began in 2009. Together they cost $800,000 including HST, and bring the OPP in line with other major police services in the country.

The force isn’t providing specific details about what the trucks can do due to operational security issues, said OPP spokesperson Insp. Dave Ross.

He was able to say that the trucks are bullet-proof, have off-road capabilities, can ford water and can travel long distances at normal highway speeds. The manufacturer’s version of the ARV can carry up to nearly 16,000 kg, including its own weight, at highway speed.

T.R.U. teams are composed of 12 officers trained to handle hostage takings, barricaded persons, sniper incidents, searching for armed or dangerous fugitives, execution of a high-risk warrant, occurrences involving explosives, V.I.P. security and prisoner escort. They’re something of an elite force among police units, similar to an American S.W.A.T. team.

The vehicle will “enable them to better meet the needs of their call for service,” said Ross. “It will ensure their own safety as they become involved in these incidents,” mainly because they’re bullet-proof.

There are three T.R.U. teams in the province based, in Orillia, Odessa and London. The vehicles will be parked with two of them, although Ross could not say which two.