Police chiefs launch taser review

August 10, 2004
Canadian Press

Ottawa — The country's police chiefs have launched a review of all information on the use of taser guns in the wake of two recent deadly incidents involving the weapons.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police announced Tuesday that it has commissioned “a unique and comprehensive review of scientific research, field reports, and data on the use of tasers in police work in Canada and around the world.”

The review will be conducted by the Canadian Police Research Centre, a partnership of the chiefs association, the RCMP and the National Research Council.

“The goal of the study is to work with interested communities and synthesize the broad range of research that has already been done into the taser, especially now that it has been in wide use across North America,” said Jim Cessford, chairman of the association and chief of the Delta, B.C., police department.

“The taser has undergone extensive research and has a solid track record for safety.

“We have noted many instances in which the taser has prevented injuries and saved the lives of private citizens and police officers. However, we understand the interest in this enforcement tool now that it is more widely utilized.”

At least six people have died in Canada after being shocked by tasers.

The devices fire two barbs attached to a wire that deliver a 50,000-volt shock on contact for up to five seconds. The weapon is meant to immobilize aggressors by shocking their muscles.

Police like the taser because it offers a “less than lethal option” for dealing with dangerous and unstable people. But critics say the weapon is sometimes lethal.

Amnesty International has said the weapon should be banned until more tests are done to determine its safety. The human rights group says the guns can be deadly when someone is in a weakened state because of heart problems or drug use.

On Monday, Ontario's coroner said a Kingston, Ont., man who died just hours after being shot with a taser by police on Sunday was killed by a drug overdose.

“I can state categorically that the taser did not play any role whatsoever in his death,” Jim Cairns, Ontario's deputy chief coroner, said in a release.

The death of Samuel Truscott, 43, “was due solely to a drug overdose,” Dr. Cairns said.

Last month in Vancouver, a man who was high on cocaine died after police shot him with a taser gun.

About 50 people have died after being shot with tasers in North America, most in the U.S. The weapons are not approved for use in Britain and only recently have some Canadian police forces started issuing them to officers.