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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Police union head defends Taser use
THE head of the union representing Winnipeg police said Tasers can save the lives of suspects police are arresting.
He made the comments after a local family revealed plans to sue following their teenager's death from heart trouble linked to a stun gun.
Winnipeg Police Association president Mike Sutherland said Monday he supports the use of stun guns by officers.
"Until a better option comes along, candidly, it's a tool that I think for the most part actually reduces injuries," he said.
He said in some cases it saves police from using "lethal force."
"I don't think you need to be a scientist or a medical doctor to realize a Taser is much less lethal than a bullet," he said.
"There's no 100 per cent safe guaranteed way to take somebody into custody, especially someone who's exhibiting significantly dangerous and violent behaviours."
Sutherland's comments come after the Free Press published details from an autopsy report into the death of Michael Langan, 17. He died after he collapsed in a William Avenue back alley in July 2008.
Two police officers had chased the teenager there after he stole something from a nearby car. An officer stunned Langan twice after he allegedly threatened officers with a knife.
-- Staff
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 30, 2010 A6
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