TASERS STRIKE HOME

Our police force makes a good case for more Taser guns to help officers on
the street keep the peace.

In a perfect world there would be no need for the weapons that render the
recipient of a jolt from the stun guns temporarily helpless.

Of course we could take that argument to its limit and suggest that neither
should our cops be equipped with pepper spray, batons or handguns. Like the
Tasers, those weapons too can inflict serious -- even catastrophic -- injury.

The sad reality is Ottawa police have to deal with criminals who are
violent, unstable, strung out on drugs or a combination of all three.

It makes a lot more sense to equip them with Tasers than to see them backed
into situations where they have to respond with gunfire.

Yes, we know that there have been incidents where Taser use has resulted in
tragedy, but more often than not the outcome has had more to do with bad
choices by the criminal than it had to do with the use of stun guns.

We demand a lot from our police force. When we're threatened we call on
them to protect us and expect them to do the job, no matter the dangers it
entails. In the face of the increasing threats they face daily on the
streets, it seems reasonable to allow them protection for themselves.

Taser use -- like any kind of force -- has to be applied only when
absolutely necessary and in accordance with proper training. Used
reasonably, it produces good results. If an officer uses a Taser
inappropriately, there are established processes to deal with that, just as
there are for improper use of deadly force.

Meanwhile for all those nervous nellies who react in fear at the thought of
the police carrying Tasers, there's one surefire way to avoid being hit
with a jolt from the stun guns. Stay on the right side of the law.
Taser-toting cops are no threat to law-abiding citizens, but they are to
that wild-eyed addict waving a knife or handgun. And that's a good thing.