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.”
Boyd said he is not personally aware of any particular officer who has these concerns. However, it is a concern that has been expressed, he added.
When asked by members of the commission what an opt-out policy would look like for an officer choosing to abandon the Taser device, Boyd emphasized that he would talk to that officer to discuss his or her concerns but did not give details as to what would be discussed.
“This is a new issue that we have never been confronted with before,” he said.
This comes on the heels of a recent investigation conducted by the CBC that indicated some Tasers built before 2006 were deploying voltages higher than manufacturers’ expectations.
Boyd reiterated at the meeting that of the Edmonton police force’s 369 Tasers, 161 of them would be sent for testing beginning in January to enhance the confidence of both the police and the public.
Boyd said he would rather see his officers using Tasers, adding: “I honestly believe they have saved lives and they have saved personal injury.”
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