The police chief of Waterloo has indicated that tactical deployments, including the use of snipers, will remain a part of the strategy to ensure safety at large public events. This announcement comes after the recent unsanctioned St. Patrick's Day street party in the city's university district, which attracted significant crowds and required active crowd monitoring by police. The police confirmed that a tactical officer was seen on an elevated platform observing the event, which aligns with their focused approach to managing public safety in such scenarios.

Waterloo is renowned for being a student-centric city due to its affiliation with the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, and it often hosts some of Ontario's largest public gatherings. Due to the unpredictability of large gatherings, the police have been proactive in preparing for crowd control, especially after past attempts to sanction events did not yield the desired safety outcomes. The deployment of tactical teams is part of a larger operational plan aimed at mitigating risks associated with large student-led parties.

The police's commitment to utilize snipers and tactical officers in situations where large crowds gather highlights the ongoing issues of crowd control and public safety in university towns. This approach not only raises questions about public safety measures but also underscores the tension between celebratory events in college towns and the need for law enforcement presence to ensure safe and responsible gatherings. With the increasing number of attendees at such events, the police will likely continue to adapt their strategies to manage risks effectively while ensuring safety for all participants.