Canada’s two main police associations are defending the use of Tasers.
The groups — representing police chiefs and rank-and-file officers — say tasers are safe and have saved many lives.
Owen Sound Police Chief Tom Kaye is the Vice President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
Kaye says there is no proof Tasers have caused any deaths in Canada — not even the death of Polish national Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver’s airport.
A public inquiry is looking at that death — but Kaye says up until now, there is not one incident that proves tasers have caused a death.
Kaye feels all officers should be able to carry Tasers as long as they receive proper training.
But the two police organizations admit that tasers have been used too often by officers.
Kaye says Tasers should no longer be used on peaceful suspects.
Kaye also notes the public has been subjected to “inaccurate and incomplete” information on conducted energy weapons.
Kaye also cited something he calls ‘in custody death syndrome’.
He says that has occurred after the use of pepper spray or after an officer simply restrained a suspect — not just after the use of a Taser.