Canadian Police Join With Research Center To Build Taser Knowledge
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) has asked for a unique and comprehensive review of scientific research, field reports, and data on the use of Tasers in police work in Canada and around the world. The Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC), a partnership of the CACP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the National Research Council (NRC), will conduct this initiative.
“The goal of the study is to work with interested communities and synthesize the broad range of research that has already been done into the Taser, especially now that it has been in wide use across North America,” says Chief Jim Cessford of the Delta Police Department, British Columbia, the Chair of the CPRC. “The Taser has undergone extensive research and has a solid track record for safety,” says Chief Cessford. “Police are now asking the CPRC to correlate this research with field experience to build upon existing knowledge for the police community and Canadians. We have noted many instances in which the Taser has prevented injuries and saved the lives of private citizens and police officers,” Chief Cessford adds. “However, we understand the interest in this enforcement tool now that it is more widely utilized.”
The CPRC is a national collaborative facility that also works with private industry, universities, and research organizations to develop and review technologies for use by the policing community. Its work will contribute timely research to the ongoing development of training standards and policy within the police community.
Senior police leaders across the country will also be meeting soon to discuss Taser use and to share insights into its role in maintaining safety and security for Canadians. The CPRC fully expects a very broad participation in this project and, to this end, will work with representatives of the varied communities interested in the issue.
Tasers are a less than lethal option deployed in a variety of serious situations which may include dealing with dangerous and unstable individuals who have become combative or self-destructive. By instantly stopping an uncontrollable individual, the Taser enables police to avert injuries or a potentially fatal outcome.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Canada NewsWire (08/10/04) .
