OPP commander Inspector Scott Lawson is welcoming announced changes to front line police officers having access to use tasers.
But Lawson said the end decision to supply officers with tasers, estimated to cost about $1,300 apiece, will be made by the provincial government and top OPP brass.
“We’re in favour of a less lethal option,” Lawson said when contacted by the Advertiser.
Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced on Aug. 27 that the provincial government is permitting the expanded use of tasers for front line officers if their local police force chooses to do so.
“This is the right decision to make and it will increase community safety by preventing injury and death,” she said at a press conference in Toronto on Aug. 27.
“The of CEWs (Conductive Energy Weapons) has proven to result in fewer significant injuries to subjects and to police officers.”
Police chiefs have been advocating for wider use of tasers. Since they were brought into use in 2002, taser use has been restricted by the government to a few selected supervisory officers and special units. It’s a similar procedure carried out by county OPP.
To accompany the changes, the province is calling for better training of police officers, increased reporting and data collection as to their use, and community consultation before a decision is made on whether or not to arm front line officers locally.
“There won’t be an immediate change in Wellington County,” Lawson said of relaxed provincial regulations and taser use here.
