Should an armed Canadian peace officer (ACPO) be treated the same as an in-flight security officer (IFSO)?

An armed Canadian peace officer (ACPO) should not be treated the same as an in-flight security officer (IFSO) because their roles, responsibilities, and authority differ significantly. An ACPO is typically a law enforcement professional whose primary duty is to enforce the law and maintain public safety on the ground, whereas the IFSO's role is specifically focused on security within the aircraft environment during a flight.

The IFSO is specifically trained for the unique challenges of in-flight security, including handling situations that may occur in an enclosed, moving aircraft space. In contrast, an ACPO may not possess the specialized training required for air incident management, which means their intervention might not align with in-flight security protocols or regulations that ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew on board.

Hence, treating them the same could lead to confusion in protocols and responsibilities during a flight, potentially compromising safety. Therefore, the distinction in their roles justifies the statement that they should not be treated the same.