Vancouver's transit police applaud new guildelines on Taser use

July 25, 2009
VANCOUVER
The Canadian Press

Vancouver's transit cops are welcoming new guidelines for police on Taser use and will immediately comply with the province's demand that their use be restricted.

The force's Sgt. Tom Seaman says a public inquiry commissioner's conclusion that B.C. should enact standard rules for forces across the province will make things much clearer.

Former justice Thomas Braidwood released his report into Taser use in British Columbia on Thursday and slammed the government for "abdicating" its responsibility to provide guidelines on the weapons' use.

Seaman says his force must work across several municipalities and having consistent rules is important.

Seaman says transit police have only used a Taser once so far this year.

Seaman's force came under scrutiny in 2008 when documents were released showing Tasers had been used five times against riders who allegedly were trying to evade paying fares, but the force says the victims were part of a criminal investigation.