TAMING TASERS

A current hearing into the possibly inappropriate use of a Taser by an
Ottawa police constable is a reminder of why there must be a clear
policy governing the use of stun guns.

The Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services is examining why
the constable shocked a prone and handcuffed protester, not once, but
twice, in May of 2003. The police officer says striking the protester
with a billy club risked more damage to him than using a Taser to subdue him.

With Tasers becoming standard equipment for many police forces in
Canada, rules must be put in place to ensure officers don't use the
devices casually or gratuitously.

A recent police-commissioned report says so-called Conducted Energy
Devices are safe, despite the fact that at least 44 people have died
after being zapped by Tasers since 1999. The report suggests that most
of those who died had pre-existing medical conditions. But many
Canadians have medical conditions, and if a Taser can trigger death in
people with weak hearts, the devices must be used extremely
judiciously.

An equally suspect argument says Tasers actually save lives by giving
police a less lethal option than firearms, as the current police
commission hearing illustrates. It is unlikely a police officer would
have considered pulling his sidearm and shooting a prone and
handcuffed protester in order to secure his co-operation, but he did
use a Taser.

Police forces must establish clear policy on when Taser usage is
appropriate, and police officers should be required to produce a
written report each time they pull a Taser from their holsters, just
as they do when they pull a firearm, to ensure stun guns are used only
when they are indeed the best option.