statism watch

So basically, the cops in Chicago accept there’s going to be some collateral damage when using TASERs – but they keep you safe. By euthanizing cokeheads? TASER International makes this huge announcement by acknowledging the moving the target area of the TASER away from the heart is a good thing, it gets spun as being all we can really do, you know, and then the TASER rollout continues.

Flashback: RCMP to test Taser cameras | RCMP plans dramatic changes to Taser policy | RCMP plans dramatic changes to Taser policy | Canadian police adopt new TASER directive | US: Ruling allowing Taser use to get DNA may be nation’s first | RCMP halts use of malfunctioning Tasers after B.C. decision | RCMP still uses Tasers too often, watchdog finds | RCMP softened Taser-use restrictions | Ban Tasers if RCMP doesn’t curb use by year’s end: Commons committee | U.S. jury shocks Taser, investors, with rare loss in court

Annie Sweeney, Kristen Schorsc, Chicago Tribune
March 11, 2010

Announcement comes as man dies in suburbs after police use stun gun

The Chicago Police Department is dramatically expanding its use of Tasers, adding several hundred more and putting them in the hands of patrol officers for the first time, officials said Wednesday.

The “stun guns” will go in every squad car to give front-line beat officers a more effective way to protect themselves and calm a disturbance.

But the electrical devices have caused controversy nationwide, with debates about their safety and lawsuits filed on behalf of dozens of people, some in the Chicago area, who have died after being “Tased.”

(more…)

Flashback: RCMP plans dramatic changes to Taser policy | RCMP tests Tasers that record video | UK: Police may be issued with new high-power Taser | TASER introduces 3-shot semiauto | Safety Tests MIA for Taser’s Shocking New Shotgun | TASER launches new headcam for police – with ‘privacy mode’ | All officers need Tasers, police associations say | TASER bracelets considered for airline passengers | ‘Peel and Stick’ Tasers Electrify Riot Control | Tasers: the next generation

The Canadian Press
February 17, 2010

RCMP officers in Kelowna, B.C., and Moncton, N.B., are testing two kinds of cameras that will record Taser firings during six-month field trials.

Included in the tests is the Taser Cam, an accessory for newer-model stun guns made by Taser International, which supplies the RCMP. Also to be tested is the VIDMIC, an audio-video recorder that attaches to an officer’s belt radio.

Field testing of the devices in the two communities was slated to begin in December, say internal briefing notes on the project obtained under the Access to Information Act.

Results from the trials will be analyzed to determine whether one or both of the devices will be used by the RCMP.

The tests come amid growing concern about police accountability on use of stun guns, which deliver a powerful jolt that incapacitates suspects.

An RCMP complaints commission report on the case of Robert Dziekanski — who died after an RCMP Taser was used on him at Vancouver International airport — said there would have been “a clear benefit” to video footage capturing the events from the officers’ perspective.

(more…)

Changes which the RCMP are apparently not yet willing to share with you, the public.

Flashback: Scathing report concludes RCMP used TASERs prematurely in Vancouver airport death | Taser inquiry wraps up in Vancouver with legal squabbles | Canadian police adopt new TASER directive | RCMP actions ‘gratuitous, ‘violent,’ BC needs own police lawyer tells inquiry | Braidwood inquiry reopens, RCMP bickers over preplanned TASER use | TASER files court motion to quash Braidwood probe’s findings | Mounties have no choice but to comply with TASER ruling | Justice says changes needed in Taser use | Mounties discussed Tasing Dziekanski prior to altercation | Judge: B.C. taser probe can rule on Mountie misconduct issue | Mounties want to bar Taser inquiry from finding misconduct | RCMP spokesman told to hold off correcting false details of Dziekanski incident, inquiry hears | RCMP supervising officer contradicts earlier testimony in Dziekanski inquiry | RCMP to face no charges in case of TASERed Polish immigrant: Report | Mountie involved in fatal crash was supervisor at time of airport Taser death | Perjury: Is it different for cops? | Mounties censor Taser report | Witness blames RCMP, Vancouver airport for death of Tasered man

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press
February 14, 2010

OTTAWA—The RCMP plans a sweeping overhaul of its Taser policy following recommendations from inquiries prompted by the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski.

An internal briefing note obtained by The Canadian Press says the Mounties’ policy centre on use of force recommends four dozen specific changes on stun gun use.

The note prepared for RCMP Commissioner William Elliott states that the force’s review involved examination of two reports sparked by the death of Dziekanski, recent changes to Taser policy in Alberta and discussions within the national police force.

(more…)

Flashback: RCMP destroyed evidence, charges dismissed in second torture case for officers | Tasers being used for pain compliance during interrogation, suit alleges | Mounties pinned me down in cell and tasered me, Manitoba girl says | Inquiry says ‘insidious’ TASERs being used as tool of convenience, should be reclassified, restricted under criminal code | RCMP firing Tasers multiple times at subjects, probe reveals

CBC News
January 18, 2010

The Regina Police Service has been tapped to investigate allegations against five current and former Manitoba RCMP officers accused of offences ranging from fabricating evidence to torture.

The charges relate to complaints filed in civil and criminal court by a man from Portage la Prairie, Man.

Matthew Gray is suing the officers for jolting him multiple times with a Taser in 2003. Gray says he was handcuffed at the time.

Last summer Gray, 47, initiated a private prosecution before Manitoba’s provincial court seeking charges against the officers. In October, a judge agreed there’s enough evidence to proceed with charges against five of the officers.

Manitoba Justice appointed Winnipeg lawyer Marty Minuk to act as an independent prosecutor in the matter.

In turn, Minuk asked police in Regina to conduct an independent investigation.

At a hearing on Monday, Minuk said he expects a report back from the Regina force in about a month.

Hymie Weinstein, a Winnipeg lawyer who has represented a number of police officers in the past, has been retained by each of the RCMP officers involved in the case, court heard.

(more…)

Flashback: U.S. ruling limits how police can use Tasers | Scathing report concludes RCMP used TASERs prematurely in Vancouver airport death | Taser inquiry wraps up in Vancouver with legal squabbles | Canadian police adopt new TASER directive | RCMP actions ‘gratuitous, ‘violent,’ BC needs own police lawyer tells inquiry | Braidwood inquiry reopens, RCMP bickers over preplanned TASER use | TASER files court motion to quash Braidwood probe’s findings | Mounties have no choice but to comply with TASER ruling | Justice says changes needed in Taser use | Mounties discussed Tasing Dziekanski prior to altercation | Judge: B.C. taser probe can rule on Mountie misconduct issue | Mounties want to bar Taser inquiry from finding misconduct | RCMP spokesman told to hold off correcting false details of Dziekanski incident, inquiry hears | RCMP supervising officer contradicts earlier testimony in Dziekanski inquiry | RCMP to face no charges in case of TASERed Polish immigrant: Report | Mountie involved in fatal crash was supervisor at time of airport Taser death | Perjury: Is it different for cops? | Mounties censor Taser report | Witness blames RCMP, Vancouver airport for death of Tasered man

Robert Matas, The Globe and Mail
December 30, 2009

B.C. Court of Appeal rejects argument that Braidwood inquiry lacks jurisdiction against officers involved in Dziekanski case

Flashback: Canadian police adopt new TASER directive | US: Ruling allowing Taser use to get DNA may be nation’s first | RCMP halts use of malfunctioning Tasers after B.C. decision | RCMP still uses Tasers too often, watchdog finds | RCMP softened Taser-use restrictions | Ban Tasers if RCMP doesn’t curb use by year’s end: Commons committee | U.S. jury shocks Taser, investors, with rare loss in court

Associated Press
December 29, 2009

A U.S. federal appeals court in San Francisco has ruled that police can’t zap someone with an electronic stun gun unless the suspect poses an immediate threat.

Monday’s ruling sets police standards for use of the Taser, saying stun guns must be used only when “substantial force” is needed.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said officers can’t Taser a person simply for acting erratically or disobeying orders. They must take into account factors including whether the person was trying to flee and the severity of the charges that might stem from the offence, Judge Kim Wardlaw said, given the “painful and frightening blow” inflicted by the electronic devices.

(more…)

It should be interesting to see who gets appointed as the new RCMP watchdog now that Paul Kennedy is being removed, presumably for doing his job a little too well.

Flashback: U.S. police taser 10-year-old | US Cop Tasers and Arrests a 10-Year Old Girl For Throwing a Fit | RCMP defend Taser use on girl, 16 | Ban stun gun use on young people, Ontario child advocate urges | RCMP Investigates, Clears Self of Wrongdoing in Case of TASERed Inuvik Girl | Probe into tasering of teenaged girl reopened | Mounties pinned me down in cell and tasered me, Manitoba girl says

CBC News
December 11, 2009

Police force also accused of protecting officer

The RCMP in the Northwest Territories has accepted nearly all the findings of a federal police watchdog’s report, which says a police officer in Inuvik, N.W.T., was not justified in jolting a teenage girl with a Taser in March 2007.

The final report from the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP, released Friday, also concluded that the Inuvik RCMP detachment appeared to have tried to cover up what happened,

“The manner in which the RCMP handled this matter was at best negligent and at worst biased,” commission chairman Paul Kennedy wrote in his report, which was in response to a complaint filed by the girl’s mother.

It’s Kennedy’s second damning report this week on the RCMP’s use of Tasers. On Tuesday, he reported on the October 2007 death of Robert Dziekanski at the Vancouver airport, making 16 recommendations that were highly critical of the four officers involved and the RCMP’s followup investigation.

(more…)

Flashback: Taser inquiry wraps up in Vancouver with legal squabbles | Canadian police adopt new TASER directive | RCMP actions ‘gratuitous, ‘violent,’ BC needs own police lawyer tells inquiry | Braidwood inquiry reopens, RCMP bickers over preplanned TASER use | TASER files court motion to quash Braidwood probe’s findings | Mounties have no choice but to comply with TASER ruling | Justice says changes needed in Taser use | Mounties discussed Tasing Dziekanski prior to altercation | Judge: B.C. taser probe can rule on Mountie misconduct issue | Mounties want to bar Taser inquiry from finding misconduct | RCMP spokesman told to hold off correcting false details of Dziekanski incident, inquiry hears | RCMP supervising officer contradicts earlier testimony in Dziekanski inquiry | RCMP to face no charges in case of TASERed Polish immigrant: Report | Mountie involved in fatal crash was supervisor at time of airport Taser death | Perjury: Is it different for cops? | Mounties censor Taser report | Witness blames RCMP, Vancouver airport for death of Tasered man

Petti Fong, Toronto Star
December 8, 2009

The four RCMP officers involved in the Tasering of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski failed to de-escalate the situation and used the Taser weapon prematurely and inappropriately, the office for public complaints against the force has found.

Following a two-year investigation, Commissioner Paul Kennedy made some harsh criticisms of the RCMP in its handling of the case. Dziekanski was fired upon, within 24 seconds of four RCMP officers arriving at the scene, five times with the Taser weapon. He died minutes later on the floor of the international arrivals area at the Vancouver International Airport Oct. 14, 2007.

The incident has dogged the RCMP since, especially following the release of a video shot by a bystander which clearly showed that Dziekanski was not combative and no warning was given before the weapon was deployed.

“Overall I found that the conduct of the responding members fell short of that expected of members of the RCMP,” wrote Kennedy in his report. Earlier this month, Kennedy’s contract as head of the commission, an oversight body, was not renewed.

“The members demonstrated no meaningful attempt to de-escalate the situation, nor did they approach the situation with a measured, coordinated and appropriate response,” he wrote.

(more…)

Little girls and boys are being TASERed now – tortured in foster homes and institutions as usual – and we’re told they’re not hurt? The precedent’s set now, so get ready for more domestic torture. It’s what Jack Bauer does on 24. It’s what the good guys do now. That’ll teach you to fear and obey authority, child.

Flashback: US Cop Tasers and Arrests a 10-Year Old Girl For Throwing a Fit | RCMP defend Taser use on girl, 16 | Ban stun gun use on young people, Ontario child advocate urges | RCMP Investigates, Clears Self of Wrongdoing in Case of TASERed Inuvik Girl | Probe into tasering of teenaged girl reopened | Mounties pinned me down in cell and tasered me, Manitoba girl says

Associated Press
December 3, 2009

Colorado sheriff’s deputies shock boy during foster-home arrest

Colorado sheriff’s deputies shocked an “out of control” 10-year-old child with a Taser and arrested him.

Pueblo Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Teschner said Wednesday that the boy was not hurt when deputies took action Monday after arriving at his foster home, where he was reportedly destroying property. Teschner says deputies were justified in their use of force. The deputies say the youth threatened them with a pipe and a stick, and threw a piece of wood at them.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of menacing with a deadly weapon.

(more…)

Police coroners are still exhuming the old ‘excited delirium‘ line. It’s sad to see, given that the idea has been so thoroughly discredited. As though anyone believes any more that these unfortunates would have simply keeled over were they not electrocuted as well. What’s the proximate cause, cops? You can’t just say he shouldn’t have been so worked up when we TASERed him. The authorities pushing this device as part of the control grid must know they’re burning their credibility with the Canadian public. That’s not a good sign.

Flashback: Mounties discussed Tasing Dziekanski prior to altercation | RCMP didn’t tell pathologist Dziekanski suffered multiple TASER stuns, inquiry hears | RCMP destroyed evidence, charges dismissed in second torture case for officers | U.S. study raises more questions about TASER safety | Red Deer man shot by Taser had pre-existing heart condition: doctor | RCMP didn’t study Taser use enough: Report | Police delay report on Taser until 2009

CBC News
November 20, 2009

The death of a man who was stunned with a Taser several times during his arrest two year ago in Chilliwack was not the fault of police actions, a coroner’s inquest has determined.

In his report, coroner Vincent Stancato concludes that Robert Knipstrom, 36, died from acute ecstasy intoxication and excited delirium.

A coroner’s inquest into Knipstrom’s death began Monday and the conclusions were released Thursday night.

The jury has recommended police and paramedics change how they handle cases where individuals show symptoms of excited delirium, which can include paranoia, agitation, aggression and extraordinary strength. It was also recommended that police request an advanced life support team when dealing with such patients.

(more…)