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Alberta to announce new rules this week on when police can use Tasers

Alberta is to announce new rules on when police can use conducted energy weapons such as Tasers.
Taser Testing 20081204
Tasers which were recently tested A new analysis of Taser stun guns finds some of the police weapons pack more of a shock than the manufacturer promises

EDMONTON — Alberta is to announce new rules on when police can use conducted energy weapons such as Tasers.

Solicitor General Department spokeswoman Michelle Davio says the changes will include setting up tighter boundaries on when Tasers can be used and the need for ongoing testing of the weapons — which deliver an intense electric shock.

Davio says the changes expected to be announced later this week by Solicitor General Fred Lindsay will apply to all police in the province, including RCMP.

Last week the B.C. government ordered all police in that province to severely restrict the use of the stun guns following the release of the Braidwood Inquiry report.

The report, which looked into the death of a Polish man in Vancouver in 2007 after tussling with four RCMP, says that 25 Canadians have died after encounters with Tasers.

Saskatchewan’s Police Commission says it is considering the Braidwood report as it completes its own Taser review and will decide this fall whether to change its policies.