Sam Steele

With the recent deaths related to Taser use, the question arises...Is the Taser a safe alternative use of force for Canadian Police Officers? Post mortem analysis has show in several cases that Taser deaths can be related to what is now called "Excited Delirium" which is an elevated state of arousal that when coupled with a Taser blast can cause death. This is particularly the case in psychotic individuals or those under the effects of drugs. Obviously, only a very small percentage of people who experience the effects of a Taser die. Taser training regularly includes administering the Taser to those who are intended to wield it. Is this a safe practice? Should the taser be an acceptable form of intervention for today's peace officers? A Taser can have very appreciatable results in the 99%+ that do not suffer fatal effects. No injuries, no lasting effects. Contrast that with black eyes, broken bones and again the risk of death. Is the Taser safe?

I won't partake in name calling. I disagree police should put their bodies on the line where unnecessary. The Tazer was given to them for the purpose they used it for...a violent person with (a) weapon(s). My knowledge of RCMP policy has led you to assume I am a member. Perhaps everyone should familiarize themselves with these policies as well as I have before making judgments on how the responding officers acted. I think the question here is wether the Taser is an appropriate method of intervention.

The media coverage is clearly slanted. The video shown starts when the RCMP begin to speak to Dziekanski and ends the moment the tazer begins to cycle. They did not show any of the events leading up to the RCMP's dispatching and arrival, or what amount of violence and intimidation the subject was exhibiting in the time lapsed. Neither did they show the struggle after the tazing. I have seen mention of furniture throwing and broken glass. If this is the case, with my knowledge of RCMP policies I would have to rule they acted within their training parameters. Furthermore, if he was using a "simple stapler" as a potential weapon or projectile they were again justified in the use of force as per the RCMP use of force continuum. Wether or not the force's policy on the use of Conducted Energy Weapons needs changing remains to be seen, but based on the information I have, the mounties did what they were taught. I am sad to see the CBC will succomb to Americanized drama news; leaving the pertinent details on the editing room floor in the persuit of dramatic headlines. I caution you to take what you hear with a grain of salt. Nothing like a good lynching! Honey...go get the kids!