RCMP tighten taser policy

May 4, 2010
Canadian Press/Globe and Mail

The Mounties say that from now on they will only use tasers in cases involving bodily harm or a clear threat of harm.

The RCMP has been accused of overusing the energy weapons and introduced new policies today to restrict their use.

The new policy says officers should only use tasers against suspects actively causing harm or when they have a reasonable belief that harm is imminent.

When possible, the Mounties should warn suspects they are about to be zapped.

The policy also calls for better records on taser use and more testing to make sure the devices are operating correctly.

The new rules respond to recommendations from a British Columbia inquiry which investigated taser use by the RCMP.