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Mother makes tearful taser inquiry appearance

GREG JOYCE

Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 4:11 PM EDT 15/05/08

Zofia Cisowski, mother of man who died at Vancouver airport, says faith in RCMP shattered; family lawyer calls for complete moratorium on shock weapons ...Read the full article

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  1. Mr. Happy from Canada writes: There's a small but meaningful typo in this story. It should read 'within one minute of arriving, had jolted Mr. Dziekanski twice with a taser' That's less than about one tenth the time it takes the RCMP to write out a speeding ticket.

    Shock and awe.

    :^(
  2. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes:
    Complete moratorium now. If you viewed the video of this incident you would agree that too much force was used too quickly.

    If all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail.
  3. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: I still think that every Officer should experience being tasered before being given the right to use this device.
  4. John Connor from Canada writes: Kathleen Degelder from Tacomawashington, Canada writes: Montreal: Josie Cioff former bank employee of the Royal Bank of Canada has been found guilty of 46 counts of fraud amounting to $4.3 million.

    Are you suggesting she be tasered?
  5. Kathleen Degelder from Tacomawashington, Canada writes: John Conner: Good question. Sorry for being off topic. It's just news. And I was wondering how the Canadian Justice system deals with white crime.
  6. Jedburgh Abbey from Canada writes: Ms Wackernagel - RCMP officers do experience tasering as part of their training.
  7. Baked Pot8o from Otown, Canada writes: Too bad the policy has already been determined by Stephen Harper's good buddy Ken Boessenkool. Looks like he had alot of success ($300 million) with the HPV vacine....
  8. Bildebergers beware you've robbed your last grave from Canada writes: I've got a great idea...

    Lets line up all of the senior staff of the RCMP and hvae them run 200 meters. Hwile their heart rate is eleveated, zapp them each twice and see how many collapse..

    Afterall, whenever I have seen demonstartions of Tasers on police personal, it is in a controlled environment with other officers standing by to 'ease' them to the ground. In a real would scenario, the assailed, is usually under some sort of duress or under the inluence of a narcotic or alcohol.

    Only fair! Don't you think
  9. bruce weaver from Canada writes: I guess she is crying because her son spoke no English, acted like a lunatic at the airport and throwing furniture. Should he have been tasered. No but if no but a few words, stayed calm, none of this would have happend.
  10. Bildebergers beware you've robbed your last grave from Canada writes: Bruce you are an idiot.

    So because this individual could not speak English and had been left wandering for several hours in a secured area without any intercation by airport staff it is justified.....
  11. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: The fundamental question goes to the purpose of the taser which is, or at least it was, that this weapon would be a last resort and before the use of the gun. In the case under review, as in other cases such as the case of a 80 year old citizen in a hospital bed holding on to a pen knife, the question to ask the RCMP brass should be: 'How would your officers have been expected to deal with this situation 10 years ago before they were equipped with tasers?' If the answer is 'In such circumstances we would have expected our officers to shoot,' then I guess the use of the taser in these two cases was justified. But I guess that these situations would have been dealt with differently - back in the good old days.
  12. ex banker from St. John's, Canada writes: Bruce,
    The guy responded like anyone who was being held against their will for no good reason would respond. He was agitated. All he needed was a Polish speaking Immigration officer to get on the phone with him within a reasonable amount of time after arriving in Canada to explain the process. Instead he was treated like a criminal and then killed by the people hired to protect our citizens. The RCMP should be made to pay dearly for this travesty.
  13. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Up until he died I see no fault in the RCMP's actions.

    But he did die and a mother grieves.

    We have still not heard a Coroner's report on the cause of death.

    I am sorry for her loss.
    No parent should outlive their children.
  14. Luna Nova from Canada writes: Bruce - I speak Polish and what he was saying was basically voicing frustration. I agree, the throwing of furniture was wrong, but he had been there for hours without any help. He had been calm for hours with no results.

    Should he have been subdued, absolutely. Tasered, no.

    As for the smug - he spoke no English comment - resources are limited when it comes to language skills in Poland. I taught English there and the materials were few and far between, poor quality, and many times, wrong. He likely wouldn't have had access to the means to learn English.

    What I don't understand is that Polish is very similar (when spoken, not written) to Ukrainian, Czech and Russian - you mean, they couldn't find ANYONE in an airport who spoke one of those languages?
    It was an over reaction by the RCMP. Period.
  15. Boreal Moose from Canada writes: Taser to save lives? YES

    Taser to save wounding a suspect? YES

    Taser if 1 cop is up against 1 much larger opponent? YES

    But taser so cops can avoid being punched in the face or having to wrestle a suspect? NO. If that were the case, more people would end up dying from cops' tasers than from gunshots before tasers existed!
  16. Bildebergers beware you've robbed your last grave from Canada writes: Luna, there is no need to apologise for the lack of english teaching resources in Poland. Bruce just doesn't get it
  17. bruce weaver from Canada writes: I clearly said he should not have been tasered. I simply said part of the reason it happened is because he knew no English (waiting for Mother, a phone number written down to call, something basic) and stay calm. Getting agrravated in an airport is no reason to throw things especially in this day and age.
  18. Brendon E from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Bildebergers,

    Here here. I agree 100%. All police officers, and the executives at Taser International. They should also be tased from a distance of 1 to 3 meters so that the electrical barbs are more than 2 cm. apart. It'll give the electricity a longer distance to travel through the body. You know, like in 'real life' as opposed to their controlled demonstrations.

    Whoo whoo.
  19. Just A Guy from Canada writes: The hospital scene was really bad and should never have happened. The airport one is different. Where were the Immigration people with translation skills? Why was this drunken man allowed to wander around on his own, with no one watching him? The cops were probably a bit to quick to react but the guy was throwing furniture around and acting like a mental health patient.
    I just wish some of you left wing whiners had the stones to be a cop, fireman, soldier or paramedic for a week. You might have a different perception of things. The world is not all that black and white. There are many shades of gray.
  20. Boreal Moose from Canada writes: Bruce Weaver: Getting agravated in an airport or an airplane is a well docmuneted and frequent human (over)-reaction. It happens with tremendous regularity all over the world. People get very nervous in airports. The fact that RCMP officers stationed in Canada's biggest airport seemed to have no better techniques or training to resolve such an issue than run of the mill Bubba Gump State Troopers is a sad commentary on our national force and those who train them, as well as the readiness of security at our biggest airport.
  21. Boreal Moose from Canada writes: Just A Guy: its funny that all you righties see shades of grey just when it comes to the actions and over-reactions of cops and soldiers. Criminals and foreigners however.......not so much.
  22. Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: Brendon E, have you been shocked? I know that when I did training in Miami, they place the leads on your shoulders, and in my case 12-14' rom each other.
  23. Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: My heart warms when you make black and white comments like 'all you righties'.
  24. There's Enough Misery Without Adding More from Baycrest Hill Forest Ridge, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Up until he died I see no fault in the RCMP's actions.

    ================================

    Your position is completely out to lunch. The RCMP assaulted him with a taser even though he was posing no threat to anyone. That means they broke the rule that limits them to using only REASONABLE force.
  25. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: Just A Guy from Canada writes: The world is not all that black and white. There are many shades of gray.

    Yes Guy, that's just it. The RCMP acted as if this was a case of black and white: One agitated civilian, busted furniture, case closed. The tape published sure does not suggest anything gray about the RCMP's response.
  26. rick from river city from Canada writes: Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: I still think that every Officer should experience being tasered before being given the right to use this device.

    Every officer who is authorized to carry the Taser has been tasered.
  27. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: bruce weaver from Canada writes: I guess she is crying because her son spoke no English, acted like a lunatic at the airport and throwing furniture. Should he have been tasered. No but if no but a few words, stayed calm, none of this would have happend.

    ------------------------------
    bruce,

    No, she's probably crying because she misses her little boy.

    It's not his fault he didn't speak English.

    Also, it's clear that the RCMP have an absolute responsibility to protect him as well as every one else, themselves included.

    They didn't do that.

    It was mere seconds after they arrived that he was hit with the taser and went down. He never got up.

    The cops then refused to allow para-medics to intervene and try to revive him.

    I think, the RCMP chatted with the renta cops, decided then that he should be arrested even though they hadn't seen anything yet, shortened their 'interview' to a take down, and rather than attempt to 'establish effective communication' they zapped him.

    I bet they would take that one back if they could.

    Should we let a US corporation tell us what to do?

    I say ban the taser and let the market come up with something truly non fatal.
    If the cops want that someone will do it.

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  28. Gary Thomson from Surrey, BC, Canada writes: I listened to much of the lady's testimony on the radio. It was heart breaking; her words were well chosen and understated. I'm afraid that in our glacial pace to get everything just perfect, and to try to keep our judgement suspended in the meantime, we are seperating the consequences from the action so thoroughly as to make the question of accountability nearly impossible. These procedures remind me of the years long sexual harassment case that ended with the RCMP being unable/unwilling to create meaningful consequences for officers who had acted deplorably but were now retired or reassigned. An 83 year old bypass patient was recently tasered in his hospital bed for pity's sake. Clearly, RCMP officers do not feel constrained enough by the potential consequences of their irresponsibility to make them think twice about the outright absurdity of of tasering an 83 year old, bed ridden, heart surgery patient. They need to start listening to the public on the radio and TV. Regular, law abiding, taxpaying citizens are becoming disgusted with their actions and losing respect for the police in general.
  29. F H from Canada writes: 'Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: I still think that every Officer should experience being tasered before being given the right to use this device.'

    True and it shouldn't be the lower voltages that they normally receive and it should be with the barbed weapons that imbed themselves in the flesh. And even then, it should be utterly without warning, with many strangers shouting conflicting orders while piling on top of them.

    To not to do that is to merely ape the photo op that was recently done.
  30. F H from Canada writes: 'Also, why the hell should the mother even be talked to? Was she there?'

    Because some creatures that I'll call 'people' forget that there is a human cost to the abuse of weapons above and beyond the impact on the direct victim. That other victims such as family, friends and other loved ones pay the cost.
  31. harry potter from toronto, Canada writes: I truly sympathize with the lady but the lawyer who is representing her is there only to screw tax payers money. Why can't the government give her compensation for the loss of her son and eliminate these lawyers who in any case end up taking more than 50% for making little documentation.
  32. Missy Robertson-McMurchy from Toronto, Canada writes: Canadian police are becoming more like their U.S. counterparts. Instead of even making an attempt to resolve any situation peacefully (even when dealing with someone who is clearly not armed), they resort to the use of lethal weapons - in the U.S. usually the gun (with ammunition expended in abundance) , in Canada the taser. No one should be surprised however as police generally are not chosen for their intellect nor is any police force overloaded with Mensa members.
  33. Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: Hmmmer, what do police currently have that is non-fatal? Nothing. Everything is fatal. If you don't believe me, look at what causes cancer! . The larger issue that needs to be addressed is use of force.

    People have always died in custody, which is a damn shame. However, in this case, did a taser cause it? From what I've heard, no.

    If we are looking at tools performing tasks, if the taser caused one death (which it's not supposed to do), should we get rid of firearms, as they don't always kill the person you are shooting at (what they were designed to do)?
  34. Hans Lucas from Toronto, Canada writes: DUMB COMMENT OF THE DAY:

    bruce weaver from Canada writes: I guess she is crying because her son spoke no English, acted like a lunatic at the airport and throwing furniture. Should he have been tasered. No but if no but a few words, stayed calm, none of this would have happend.

    BRUCE: I don't actually have a comment for your stupidity. I wil however say that as a country filled with immigrants we, more then anyone else, should be prepared on how to deal with people who don't speak English.

    I wonder if you would have been agitated if a foreign country kept you at the airport for hours without properly explaining to you what's happening or why you are not allowed to leave - especially if it was your first time on a plane. Have some compassion!
  35. M. Gorky from Canada writes: In the RCMP's defense, the public never hears about all the 80 year old knife wielding hospital patients it subdues without incident.
  36. Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: Missy Robertson-McMurchy, your comments are both insulting and demeaning, and you should be ashamed for insulting people who you know little about.
    Do you know the average education level of a police officer hired today? Of the previous load of London Police Service Officers to the Aylmer Police College 25 of 27 had post-secondary education. 14 had university and college.
    Of the hiring criteria that all police officers in Canada are hired on, they are chosen through 4 different categories: Physical Fitness, Life Experience, Citizenship, and Education.
    I would appreciate that if you are going to say something that is opinioned, please make sure it's not insulting.
  37. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: harry potter from toronto, Canada writes: I truly sympathize with the lady but the lawyer who is representing her is there only to screw tax payers money. Why can't the government give her compensation for the loss of her son and eliminate these lawyers who in any case end up taking more than 50% for making little documentation.
    -------------------------------

    Why can't you decide what that compensation should be?

    Why can't you tell us?

    Why can't you wave your magic wand and make her son Robert appear, make him healthy and alive with joy to be in Canada?

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  38. R B from Vancouver, Canada writes: If it's OK to taser an 82-year old guy in a hospital bed, I'm surprised that the 2-year old immigrant from the Philippines whose parents 'forgot' him at YVR wasn't tasered. I mean, come on, I'll bet he was agitated, and his English skills were probably pretty limited too. And I'm sure the RCMP guys were a little worried about getting too close and being kicked in the 'nards. And anyway, tasers don't kill people; people kill people.

    Also, maybe the sales guy from the taser company who goes around to these inquiries to give their side of the story should offer to be tasered every time he testifies.
  39. Derek Elliot from Canada writes: Taser Stockwell Day
  40. Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: Derek Elliot from Canada writes: Taser Stockwell Day

    Here Here!
  41. Nite Owl from Calgary, Canada writes: Now we know where the term copping an attitude comes from. No wonder cops only have other cops (and the odd cop sucker) for friends. They deserve to be societal pariahs.
  42. Hans Lucas from Toronto, Canada writes: Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: Missy Robertson-McMurchy, your comments are both insulting and demeaning, and you should be ashamed for insulting people who you know little about.

    SORRY I agree with her 100% The RCMP, a once proud organization is going down the tubes. In fact there is a lack of democratic respect in this country - police officers have to remember that they work for us and not the other way around.

    The death of this man is a huge stain on the uniform of the RCMP and it will be a long time before it comes off.
  43. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: M. Gorky from Canada writes: In the RCMP's defense, the public never hears about all the 80 year old knife wielding hospital patients it subdues without incident.

    ---------------------------------------

    I can just see the headline: 'Baritone Constable Bellows DROP IT To Shrieking Tenor Octogenarian Startling Him Into Submission!'
    Guess not, too long for a headline.
  44. Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: Regarding the comments of Missy Robertson-McMurchy , I don't have a problem with anything she says until:

    'No one should be surprised however as police generally are not chosen for their intellect nor is any police force overloaded with Mensa members.'

    If she believes that the police are becoming more aggressive, fine. However, insulting police by claiming they are less intelligent than other members of society is down-right rude.
  45. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: Nite Owl from Calgary, Canada writes: Now we know where the term copping an attitude comes from. No wonder cops only have other cops (and the odd cop sucker) for friends. They deserve to be societal pariahs.
    ------------------

    I agree they get a little uppity once in a while but I do know some good hard working cops.

    Having said that, the four cops at the airport, didn't do well at all.

    So they are in deeeep sheeeite! No doubt!

    It will be interesting to hear what the renta cops said to them.
    How did or could that have influenced their decisions.

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  46. Ruth Walker from Edmonton, Canada writes: It is pretty clear that common sense has become the rarest of commodities in policing circles, and that is why giving police latitude on taser use is going so badly.

    More rules will never work as well as intelligent discretion, but if it really is true that the police have no brains, then rigid rules it will have to be.
  47. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: I still think that every Officer should experience being tasered before being given the right to use this device.
    ----------------------------------------------
    I think they do get tasered.
  48. Allan Keeler from Toronto, Canada writes: Ruth Walker, another person intent on insulting the intelligence of police officers. If you can get around to it, please read what I said to Missy Robertson-McMurchy.
  49. Zach Fitzgerald from Canada writes: my condolensces to the family of this guy, who was unjustly murdered by the police. and i completely agree with her call for a complete moritorium on these weapons. tazers are too easy to use, and theres a false sense of security that it isnt lethal force. even if you used a night stick, the guy would be bruised and battered, but alive.
  50. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: Derek Elliot from Canada writes: Taser Stockwell Day

    ------------------

    In public, in a thong, make harper do it.

    Sorry, I know this is serious stuff but I needed a laugh.

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  51. Floyd Robinson from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Actually 50% of this entire incident should be blamed on Vancouver Airport Staff, if they had the services on hand to help Mr. Dziekanski, none of this would have ever happened. The RCMP only acting as they were expected, end up killing a unhealthy traveler. Unfortunate as the whole thing was, only 50% should be blamed on the RCMP.
  52. Mike 10 Rules to Reduce Belly Fat from Toronto, Canada writes: To Boreal Moose from Canada: Taser if, and only if, you are about to use a gun. No more no less, ok!? Also, taser the guy and then, while he is still in shock from high voltage, jump on him and not allow him to breathe? Come on, give me a break! That's murder.

    Give a guy without a brain a taser, and you'll see abuses rarely seen before.
  53. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: Zach Fitzgerald from Canada writes: my condolensces to the family of this guy, who was unjustly murdered by the police. and i completely agree with her call for a complete moritorium on these weapons. tazers are too easy to use, and theres a false sense of security that it isnt lethal force. even if you used a night stick, the guy would be bruised and battered, but alive.
    -----------------------
    I agree.

    Robert was probably so done in already just showing him the batons might have been enough.

    Or they could have just asked him to, put his hands against the wall in a manner he could understand.

    Bruised and battered is so much better than dead.

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  54. Krusty G from Ontariario, Canada writes: Two points:

    I don't want to be the Star Trek geek here, but don't these Tasers have a multiple settings? 'Officer Worf, set Tasers to stun.'

    Seriously, we've all 'tasted' those 9-volt batteries right? Damn that buzz ain't fun. I can just imagine what 50, 000 volts would feel like.

    Can't they zap the perp with 10, 000 V, then crank up to 35 if that doesn't work, and give the full 50 as a last resort? Even a little jolt should be enough to give opportunity for 4 large well-armed and coordinated cops to take down one irate man?

    And what is all that RCMP training for? 4 big cops couldn't handle one disgruntled air traveler? Really? What a bunch of wimps. Stupid wimps at that, completely forgot all their training and within 24 seconds they pulled the Taser. Hire a bouncer with zero training and zero skill, and he could have done a better job than these clowns.

    We don't need a moratorium, we need Tasers with multiple settings, and we need cops with more brains than a 5-year-old.
  55. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: What if we got our government to make him an Honorary Citizen posthumously?

    It would be a real recognition of who he was and that he wanted to be one of us.

    It might make his mom feel better? It would make me feel better.

    Just a thought.

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  56. jo bob from Canada writes: Cops might not be any less intelligent than the rest of the 'regular masses'; however I do know, from someone that works in their recruiting department, that the RCMP is so desperate for members that they have been digging up old applications from people that were told to never apply again to the RCMP, and are now offering them interviews. This gives me no confidence in the calibre of members.

    I think the fact that the average taxpaying citizen is becoming distrustful of, and sometimes downright afraid of, the RCMP is a very bad sign. How on earth did the cops manage to stay alive before they were allowed to carry tasers? I mean, have they forgotten all those other skills they used to have to use, because it seems to me that they are now skipping over a bunch of steps in the use of force continuum.
  57. CD W from Canada writes: The taser is the anti a-hole device, it is always successful. So tell you what, go to a foreign country, drink to excess, have underlying medical mental issues and go bonkers on the cops. You wont get tasered, you will be shot, or night sticked into next week.
  58. My 2 Cents from Canada writes: I always look forward to the police bashing that takes place on the Globe boards....all the cop haters scurry out of their holes and bash the police....no matter the topic, no matter the day, no matter the story.

    Thankfully, these police haters are a very small minority with an axe to grind.
  59. Peter Walker from Canada writes: I saw a man out of control also, and STOP is an international word!!

    Some people don't get it even when they speak English supposedly!!

    I see nothing wrong with what happened.

    What's wrong is what happened before. Charge the airline, they are not suposed to serve drinks to a drunk!!

    One thing leads to another and then it all gets out of hand.

    Just who the hell did he think he was by figuring that it was OK to arrive in a foreign Country and start heaving computers and such around?

    Get the lawyer to assign blame for that !!!!!
  60. Jeff Pritchard from Canada writes: This is what justice would look like:

    A full moritorium on the use of tazers by the RCMP for a period of one year

    Summary firing of all the ineffectual greyhairs in the senior leaderships, as well as a purging of killers and thugs from the current list
  61. white wolf from Canada writes: Floyd Robinson from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Actually 50% of this entire incident should be blamed on Vancouver Airport Staff, if they had the services on hand to help Mr. Dziekanski, none of this would have ever happened. The RCMP only acting as they were expected, end up killing a unhealthy traveler

    **************************************************

    wheres your common sense?
  62. Gary Thomson from Surrey, BC, Canada writes: In the US, Republicans do not support gay rights but Chenney does, he has a gay daughter. In the US, Republicans don't support stem cell research, but Nancy Reagan does, Ronnie had Alzheimers. In the US, Republicans don't support gun control, but former Reagan spolksman Brody does, he got shot by a loon. I have come to believe that many right wing types suffer from an inability to empathize with people who are not very, very much like themselves. It's some sort of mental/emotional defect that allows people to pursue their interests or form their opinions without taking into consideration the concerns of the vast majority of humanity. Its extreme manifestation is the sociopathy that allows serial killers to 'ply their trade'. People with this mental/emotional limitations seem to congregate around a certain limited number of political positions, those that accept, even glorify, selfishness and greed as proper human motivation. There seem to be an awful lot of these types posting here today. It is certainly possible to advocate on behalf of the officers in this case but it is clearly not necessary, nor acceptable, to denigrate the deceased or his mother. Many of you ought to realize that you are mentally ill and/or emotionally stunted. The relative anonymity of these posts has lulled you into openly displaying your handicaps, but guys, you should seek help. Being able to empathize with your fellow humans greatly expands the range and depth of your emotional life experience.
  63. Winston Smith from Canada writes: RCMP today is truly a disgrace. Very sad.
  64. white wolf from Canada writes: Peter Walker from Canada writes: I saw a man out of control also, and STOP is an international word!!

    Some people don't get it even when they speak English supposedly!!

    I see nothing wrong with what happened.

    ***************************************************

    then you will really enjoy when your freedoms and liberties are taken away with the police state mentality i suspect

    thnk about it
  65. Anthony Shaw from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Are RCMP officers trained in CPR?
  66. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: The Taser issue is getting a public hearing, of sorts, and that should shift attention directly to the federal government, which of course, it won't do. Still, it should. The federal government will not take action on this matter. But it should. We need stronger civilian oversight of the RCMP and of the other police forces. The Harper Conservatives believe that police officers have valuable insight to offer Justice committees of all kinds; ordinary citlizens and people with specialized areas of interests (e.g., police psychologists!) have valuable insights that can help guide civilian committees assigned to oversee police forces. I would like to use the term 'police services' but it doesn't seem right.
  67. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Tasers are good when used properly. If there is a crazy dude running around with a knife, threatening to stab people and officers, obviously it'd be nice to have a taser available so you don't have to SHOOT him. On the other hand, tasers should NEVER be used as a means to keep generally unruly (or confused) people in line.

    The tasering at the airport was outrageous. An unarmed, unaggressive, immigrant who doesn't know english, gets tasered because he doesn't respond immediately to police requests? This is not the proper use of the weapon. If the RCMP don't know how to use it properly, take it away from them.
  68. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: My 2 Cents from Canada writes: I always look forward to the police bashing that takes place on the Globe boards....all the cop haters scurry out of their holes and bash the police....no matter the topic, no matter the day, no matter the story. _____________________ Frustration and disbelieve with what happened is beign expressed in many different and colourful ways, I'll grant you that. But to dismiss criticism as being police bashing is not contributing much to the debate. When this story first broke, weeks before the video hit the screens, the image created by police reports was quite a bit different from what was eventually seen. That, and the fact that the RCMP tried for a long time to keep the video from public viewing, should be of much greater concern than what actually did happen. The reason the video triggered such an outcry from citizens and politicians alike is because the picture created by the police report did not resemble the facts shown on the video, not even remotely. Police work is difficult work, and for the most part their work is performed in society's gutter. I don't envy police officers their responsibilities, nor would I cherish having to make the split-second decisions that will, months later, be second-guessed ad nauseam by lawyers and judges. However, when you are empowered to carry and use weapons you had better be honest about their use, even in circumstances when it may appear that the use of a weapon may have been a bit over the top or it may have contributed to an undesired result.
  69. white wolf from Canada writes: Winston Smith from Canada writes: RCMP today is truly a disgrace. Very sad.

    **************************************************

    lots of other police forces using them as well
  70. M Willmax from St. Andrews, Canada writes: Jedburgh Abbey
    Officers are tasered in the back for a few seconds while being held by 2 other officers and know it is coming.
    Lets see them hit in the chest twice for 5 seconds continually.

    RCMP - Royal Coverup Misinformation Police
  71. Robin H From Toronto from Toronto, Canada writes: Tasering every cop as part of training is one thing. But preparing to be tasered is not comparable to the effects on the body as being suddenly tasered by police in a real life situation.

    To offer tasering of cops as a solution is simplistic. We need better trained police officers and a moratorium on taser use until they know more about potential side effects like MASSIVE HEART ATTACKS when dealing with people who are so obviously nothing more than agitated and or distressed.
  72. Canadian Eh from Canada writes: So many people jumping the gun (so to speak) as to guilt on the RCMP's actions. Just based upon the video and some audio, the man was agitated. The 'victim' was using force by throwing computer equipment and making threatening gestures. I'm not sure where the taser falls in the police's 'use of force' module but it is possible that the officers did feel threatened. While I'm not condoning the use of the taser in similar instances, there may be extenuating circumstances which haven't been brought to light yet.

    As for people ticked off because there should've been someone there who speaks Polish, last I heard this is a bi-lingual country (English and French). 90% of the world speaks some English. I'm sure the victim had some knowledge. If everyone is expected to be given service in the language of their home country, there'd be hundreds of immigration officers working everyday at one port to accommodate every language (Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, etc). Sometimes, it does take quite a bit of time to find a translator but as I said before 90% of the world speaks some English.

    My condolences to the victim's family.
  73. Jim Shepherd from Lima, Peru writes: G&M failed to point out that this 40 year old construction worker arrived in Canada without an entry Visa, and the documents required to obtain one were in his lost luggage.

    Not to worry, CBSA located his lost luggage for him at 11:15 PM, issued a Visa within an hour, and told him that he was now free to enter Canada.

    Employing his incredible mental skills (likely gained by playing football without a helmet) he could not figure out the 'walk through the door' part.

    Simple solution. When someone shows up without a valid Visa, immediately put them into detention, and onto the next plane to wherever they came from.

    This 'family re-unification' thing has never worked well, and seems to result in far more than our fair share of village idiots as immigrants. Best Regards.
  74. Juan Valasquez from Canada writes: Ban Tasers.
    Also ban guns.
    And let's ban extendable batons, and pepper spray while we're at it.

    Hell, let's outfit our police forces with slingshot's and water balloons.

    'Maniac! cease what you are doing and lie down. Or I will unleash a barrage of rolled up newspaper and stern lecturing!'
  75. white wolf from Canada writes: M Willmax from St. Andrews, Canada writes: Jedburgh Abbey
    Officers are tasered in the back for a few seconds while being held by 2 other officers and know it is coming.
    Lets see them hit in the chest twice for 5 seconds continually.

    ****************************************************

    agreed- then thrown to the ground with a knee or two in the back perhaps a choke hold as well as handcuffing behind the back and then ask the question

    'do you still favor tazering'?

    lets see what the answer would be!!
  76. Donald Wilson from Debert, NS, Canada writes: It is clear from the video that Vancouver airport RCMP acted in haste - as if they had been waiting too long to find a victim to Tazer . Common sense had no place with them in this case . They will get away with killing this innocent fellow because there isn't any rules that prevent them from using the Tazer as a ' hello there ' . If the victim survives , they get to force their way - whether they are wrong or right . I believe the RCMP should be taken to the Supreme Court over this as it seems clear this is against the Canadian Bill of Rights . And while we at at this - what about the Halifax force tazering a teen age girl in her bedroom because she was yelling at them to get out . Police throughout Canada need an attitude adjustment . Then every office that uses a Tazer MUST BE Trained in CPR and the use of a defilibrator , so they can revive those whose hearts shut down .
  77. True North from Canada writes: The RCMP are no better than the thugs they pretend to protect us from.

    Tasers kill - binding civilian oversight of police forces now!
  78. Peter Walker from Canada writes: I still back the RCMP in all their actions,
    City Police in all their actions too

    AND

    The use when necessary of tasering and shooting!!

    Some people just don't listen or understand reason, and are therefore ALWAYS out of control.
  79. white wolf from Canada writes: Peter Walker from Canada writes: I still back the RCMP in all their actions,
    City Police in all their actions too

    AND

    The use when necessary of tasering and shooting!!

    Some people just don't listen or understand reason, and are therefore ALWAYS out of control.

    ****************************************************

    seems your rational thinking is out of control
  80. Andrew Toth from Oliver, BC, Canada writes: The rcmp did wrong. They tried to sway Mr. Wester's evidence, that my friends is obstruction of justice. Akin to jury tampering. Right from point of impact with the taser, they started lieing, the video was produced. It showed that the lied. Then Mr. Webster was saying his evidence as an expert witness. Yes a sworn in expert. And before he goes on the stand , what happens. Vancouver rcmp chief, whatever his name is, calls Ottawa rcmp chief, and they lean of Mr. Webster. Like start to 'threaten him'; sort of like Vinney go break his legs, make him 'align' his self with 'our' way of thinking. You know sort of what cults and the Mafia do. Obstruction of evidence by the witness, is heavy going .....PRISON.....FINES....LOSS OF CAREER.....NO PENSIONS..........

    rcmp have reduced themselves to mud, by their own course of action. Now if they would have started with the truth.....different result. But coverup is all they seem to know. This is bad, very bad. Very bad.
  81. ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: As part of training, TASER International recommends the use of TASERS only in cases where there is 'active resistance.'

    So you might say, wow, there are many instances in violation of this. But you are wrong. 'Active resistance' is defined by TASER Intl. as any willful act that is contrary to police orders.

    Clench your hands together? TASER! Refuse to stand up? TASER! Mouth off? TASER! Run away? TASER! Peace chain? TASER!

    These are weapons, they should be removed from the police until such time as the governing authorities can enact a lawful policy. Just wait until someone gets TASERed in the head.
  82. Jim Shepherd from Lima, Peru writes: ali: I agree completely.

    Remove the Tasers from the police, and issue them with MK-5s instead.

    Why settle for one in a million fatalities, when 3 shots to the head is 100% effective? Best Regards.
  83. ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: Oh but Jim, Police can't use guns unprovoked, what's the sport in that?
  84. harry carnie from Northern, B.C, Canada writes: Bruce Weaver....Just a Guy.........you have both covered the situation with common sense and intelligence. GOOD POSTS
  85. Laura Labelle from Ladysmith, Canada writes: Wow, since tasers came on the block any coward can be a cop. Used to be there was honor in wearing a badge, now sleezebag cops use a cattle prod instead of negotiation. Why be a cop if you're only on the job to abuse and intimidate people? Those cops in the airport incident aren't police officers , they are criminals and it's up to people like you and me to see they are brought to justice and tasers are made illegal. Evil florishes when good men stay silent. What a joke, the RCMP worshipping taser corperation mantra since the taser takes the 'dangerous' out of police job description. The cops that use them shouldn't be trusted to be kindergarten teachers, resorting to that @&%^#@^ tactic on defenseless people. And they do, all the time.

    Michael Sharp you dont' know everything.
  86. Jim Shepherd from Lima, Peru writes: ali: It has nothing to do with sport.

    If you are called to deal a problem, you deal with it with any means at your disposal.

    A sock full of pennies (black jack) works petty well, and does not cost a lot either.

    However, if you ever get clobbered by one, you will likely wake up wondering what year it is. Best Regards.
  87. ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: Jim Shepherd from Lima, Peru writes: ali: It has nothing to do with sport.

    If you are called to deal a problem, you deal with it with any means at your disposal.

    ---------------------

    No you don't. That's how you should lose your job. If this is your mentality, I hope to God you aren't a cop.
  88. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: So how do the RCMP and the government obfuscate to defuse the glaring facts regarding this isseu? Easy, count on the uninspired response of the automatons who make up the majority of our society.
  89. Mike 10 Rules to Reduce Belly Fat from Toronto, Canada writes: Krusty G from Ontariario, well said, man!

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