Released on October 9, 2007
The Government of Saskatchewan has approved changes to The Municipal Police Equipment Amendment Regulations proposed by the Saskatchewan Police Commission to provide all members of a Saskatchewan municipal police service access to conducted energy devices (CEDs), also know as tasers.
Previously, Saskatchewan police services have had CEDs available as special equipment to only a limited number of specially trained units such as emergency response teams. Now, the Regulations will make this non-lethal force alternative more broadly available to all police services where authorized by the Saskatchewan Police Commission.
"Police in Saskatchewan often face difficult situations that require them to subdue or apprehend a belligerent or violent suspect," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "In such cases, a nonlethal weapon is a better alternative to a firearm."
The Saskatchewan Police Commission will only make CEDs available to a police service once they have established the necessary policies and procedures to ensure its safe use. Only members that have been approved by the police chief and who have completed the appropriate training will be allowed to use this equipment.
A CED is a hand-held device used at close range to control a subject. When activated, two electrical probes attached to the hand-held device are propelled toward the subject and produce an electrical charge that temporarily subdues the subject.
CEDs have been used by police forces throughout North America for over 20 years.
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For more information, contact:
Debi McEwen
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6043
Email: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca