BRANDON, Man. — The Brandon police department is investigating allegations that some of its officers agreed to Taser people at a party, simply because they were curious about what it would feel like.
Sgt. Rick Semler said an incident happened at a Brandon home sometime in late October where on-duty and off-duty personnel were present, but he didn't say whether it involved alcohol.
He also wouldn't say how many people were Tasered, specify how many officers are under review or whether they've been suspended pending the outcome.
"It's alleged that the Taser was used in an unauthorized demonstration at a social gathering," said Semler.
The force is calling the investigation a "performance management review."
Usually the force doesn't discuss internal matters publicly, but Semler said it was making a public statement because Tasers are under scrutiny following the deaths of men who were shocked by police in other Canadian cities.
The Brandon Sun quoted unnamed sources as saying the Taser was brought to the party by an on-duty officer who hadn't been drinking, and that it was used by an officer on at least one willing, curious civilian with no lasting effects.
There's no account of how long it was used or on what part of the body. According to one account, the newspaper says, more than one person was Tasered, including off-duty officers.
Kevin Loewen of the Brandon Police Association said he's aware of the review but didn't have any details.
Some officers don't consider the incident a big deal, noting a member of the Brandon media was Tasered as part of an organized demonstration when the force introduced the devices in June 2006.
Semler wouldn't specify how long the review will take but said any wrongdoing could result in discipline ranging from remedial training to suspension or dismissal.
On Oct. 13, a 38-year-old Quebec man died after he was zapped while in police custody.
The next day, polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski died after he was repeatedly Tasered by RCMP officers at Vancouver International Airport.
Amnesty International called for a moratorium on use of the devices and the RCMP have just announced they are restricting their use in the wake of a report that officers use them too often.
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