December 15, 2007

New RCMP Taser limits 'don't go far enough': commission

They seem to ALL forget that Amnesty has labelled them weapons of TORTURE. GET REAL, the lot of ya. And it has even been on TV that these have a design flaw. Everyone is red-herring around the moratorium being called.

Veeger

Becky Rynor, CanWest News Service Published: Friday, December 14, 2007


Canada's Mounties say they will restrict Taser use

AFP/Getty ImagesCanada's Mounties say they will restrict Taser use

OTTAWA -- The RCMP said Friday they will "limit" how and when their officers use Tasers, but a spokesman for the Public Complaints Commission says the amendments "don't go far enough."

"This is not the announcement we were looking for,"
said Nelson Kalil, spokesman for the commission that hears civilian complaints about the RCMP.

The RCMP policy amendments don't address what, to the commission, was the most important of the 10 recommendations handed down earlier this week in a report criticizing the RCMP's use of Tasers.

"We want the Taser classified as an impact weapon for use in combative situations, just below firearms or on the same level as the baton,"
Mr. Kalil said.

Right now Tasers, or conducted energy weapons, are classified as "intermediate" devices in the same category as pepper spray.

The commission's report said Tasers have been employed "earlier than reasonable," partly because of their classification.

Reclassifying the Taser would mean it could be used only in situations where a person is being "combative" or poses a risk of "death or grievous bodily harm" to the officer, him or herself, or the public.

"We're happy (the RCMP) acted this quickly," Mr. Kalil said.

"But we think they aren't going far enough now in terms of what they're recommending to their trainers ... the key recommendation has not been addressed."

RCMP Commissioner William Elliott said Friday the force will change and redefine its policy on Taser use, but that it believes the conducted energy weapon is still an effective tool "that contributes to public and officer safety when used appropriately."

Mr. Elliott said the force will more clearly define and limit the use of Tasers to situations where officers are dealing with a person who "is displaying combative behaviours or is being actively resistant."

"The changes that were put in place today ... make it clearer that in certain instances -- including instances where the Taser has been used in the past -- it is not appropriate to use a Taser," Mr. Elliott said Friday.

The RCMP said they will act on recommendations to improve their information gathering and reporting on Taser use. The force will also establish a new position to co-ordinate these measures and ensure accountability.

"An "operational bulletin" outlining the policy changes was dispatched to all RCMP divisions across Canada on Friday, although Mr. Elliott acknowledged "the reality is that assessing situations on the ground do include a certain amount of subjectivity."

"I would say that the measures we are putting in place are significant and will have an impact with respect to what our officers do and don't do,"
Mr. Elliott said.
"But it's not a total rewrite of our policy nor is it anything akin to suggesting that Tasers are not an appropriate tool.

"One of the things we have communicated ... in the bulletin that went out, and in discussions that are taking place with front-line staff is that they will be held accountable for the actions that they take, including the actions with respect to the deployment of Tasers."

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