Edmonton Police Watch

CALGARY HERALD

A man Tasered during a 2004 arrest in the midst of a parking-lot brawl in Edmonton did nothing to warrant such force, a police disciplinary hearing was told this week.

Insp. Neil Dubord, the presenting officer in the case, told the hearing Wednesday that officers “had physical control of Mr.Boik and he was no threat of a flight risk.”

Boik claims he was Tasered by Const. Andrew Hoglund after he was handcuffed, an assertion that has been contradicted by other officers’ testimony.

Hoglund is accused of unnecessary use of force. He also faces a charge of failing to file a report on the incident, to which he has pleaded guilty.

In previous testimony, Hoglund said his memory of the incident four years ago was “foggy.”

He told his hearing he doesn’t specifically recall Tasering Boik, but admits it must have been him.

Staff Sgt. Bill Newton, who advocated for Hoglund, criticized the length of the investigation, saying it led to poor memories and contradicting testimony.

“This was a confusing and con-founding incident that happened four years ago,” Newton said. “This is another example of the profound effect that protracted investigations have.”

A decision on the matter is expected Feb. 19.

In Hoglund’s case, around 25 officers converged on a bar because a fight had broken out in the parking lot.

EDMONTON SUN

Police Chief Mike Boyd vowed to address concerns of Taser use among officers amid reports that some officers are considering abandoning the device for fear of controversy.

“It’s an issue that came to light recently and was reported in the media that some officers were very disappointed around the lack of support for a use-of-force option in them carrying the Taser,” said Boyd at last night’s police commission meeting at City Hall.

“I want to provide our support to officers in backing the lawful use of the Taser. We want to be able to convey that to them.”

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METRO NEWS

An Edmonton police constable was relieved of his patrol duties and placed into an administrative position yesterday after being accused of assaulting a man he arrested.

The constable, 29-year-old Haoyin Zheng, was also charged with assault and assault with a weapon after a 51-year-old man was arrested for an alleged auto theft near 105th Avenue and 145rd Street around 3 a.m.

After the arrest, the man was taken to hospital complaining of pain to his ribs. He was treated for minor bruising and later released.

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EDMONTON – Some Edmonton police officers have chosen not to carry Tasers because of the controversy the weapons attract, despite believing the devices are valuable tools.

While testifying as a witness in a disciplinary hearing for two other officers, Const. Mike Wasylyshen said he has stopped carrying a Taser because of past criticisms.

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