Saskatoon police have bought an armoured vehicle for situations where they believe the extra protection is needed.

A number of officers have also been trained by members of the Los Angeles Police Department on how to make the best use of the vehicle.

The special vehicle was bought by Saskatoon police in January. The cost of the vehicle, and the associated gear and training, was not known.

Police are calling it a rescue vehicle and say it may be used to arrest high risk suspects, in hostage takings and incidents involving firearms.

It has bulletproof glass and a roof port.