The Winnipeg Police Service has established a full-time "tactical support team" to respond to dangerous events, city officials announced Tuesday.

The new unit's 15 members will provide "tactical entry" in situations considered at higher risk, such as the execution of search warrants where weapons are believed to be present, or events where there is an increased risk of violence.

"We believe we are going to be very busy, and we'll be very busy every day of the week," said Sgt. Michael Brooker, one of the officers assigned with the team.

Until now, the force made do with a part-time emergency response unit made up of members from various divisions.

The new unit "will provide Winnipeg with a safer and more effective way of dealing with calls for service where there is violence, the threat of violence, or weapons," police Chief Keith McCaskill said Tuesday in a release.

"The team will also add to our overall efficiency and effectiveness by performing other police-related duties when they are not in tactical use."

Because the team uses existing officers, McCaskill said he does not expect the force's budget to be affected. However, he is in talks with the province for future support.

The team will use equipment similar to that used by the part-time emergency response unit, officials said.

The team is expected to be up and running in May.