RCMP restricts Taser use

[GliderGuider]

RCMP restricts Taser use

Stun guns have been used inappropriately, commissioner admits as he announces new rules

OTTAWA–The RCMP says it's restricting when its officers can use their Tasers, admitting that the stun guns have been used inappropriately on suspects in the past.

Front-line Mounties were issued a new edict yesterday saying that weapons can be used only on people who are "combative" or "actively resistant."

As well, the new policy says it's "not appropriate" to deploy a Taser on a person who resists only through "passive" physical actions and "verbal refusal to respond to lawful commands."

"The changes ... make it clear that in certain instances, including I would say instances where the Taser has been used in the past, it's not appropriate to use a Taser," RCMP Commissioner William Elliott told a news conference yesterday.

The force moved quickly to enact the new policy just days after a police watchdog urged the Mounties to immediately restrict their use to cases where an individual is "combative" and is at risk of killing or injuring himself or a police officer.

It's nice to see news like this every now and again. This will give us the leverage we need to force the adoption of similar guidelines by provincial and municipal police forces across Canada.

[uppityperson]

1. Good, nice to see that some law enforcement are getting this. Rec!

[HCE SuiGeneris]

2. Way to go, eh?

Now if we could learn a little bit from our more civilized neighbor...

K & R

[Richard Steele]

3. It's kinda sad that such "new edicts" are even necessary, but at least it's in place NOW. nm