Canadian police chiefs to launch taser study

November 16, 2007
The Canadian Press

OTTAWA – Canada's police chiefs are commissioning a review and further research on the use of Tasers. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police says the Canadian Police Research Centre will undertake a study on the safety and use of Tasers, also known as Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs). Friday's announcement from the police chiefs follows the death last month at Vancouver International Airport of a Polish man, Robert Dziekanski, who died after being hit by two jolts from an RCMP Taser.

Steven Chabot, president of the police chiefs association and Deputy Director General of the Surete du Quebec, says in a release that "CED-related incidents that involve injury or death are an obvious concern for law enforcement personnel and the public alike." Chabot says the research centre has been asked to update a report it issued in 2005 on Tasers to reflect any new findings. That report recommended a study of people resisting arrest, methods of restraining them and the associated risks involved. Chabot says that search will now proceed. Chabot says the research centre will also look at how to evaluate evolving CED technology and encourage information-sharing on the devices.

Perfect - another study by the police for the police. Will it never end?!