Special Units > E.D.U.
(Explosives Disposal Unit)

R. White © Medicine Hat Police Service

The Medicine Hat Police Service Explosive Disposal Unit (E.D.U.) has been in existence since 1982 when the Service's first Police Explosive Technician was trained.

The UNIT IS CURRENTLY comprised of four members, two Police Explosive Technicians (PET); the NCO in charge, and 2 Police Explosive Technician Assistants.

The E.D.U. is equipped with all equipment required to enable the unit to respond to any complaint involving explosives or military ordinance.

R. White © Medicine Hat Police Service

In 2001 the Police Service acquired a modern Remote Mechanical Investigator affectionately known as 'Robbie II' This radio controlled investigator replaces 'Robbie I, a 1973 model robot. Robbie is equipped with the most advanced technology available today. He is capable of performing many tasks, using the various pieces of equipment such as extendable arm, oscillating hand, and laser sighted Pedsco disrupters. Robbie can climb and descend stairs. He can operate without a cable for a distance of 500 meters.

The addition of Robbie to the team has increased operator safety as there are now many situations where a device can be approached remotely and the operator is able to have a good picture of the immediate area by using one of the four cameras mounted on the robot. This signal is transmitted to a color monitor back at the unit vehicle.