BRANDON -- Police pulled out a Taser weapon at a house party and zapped people who wanted to feel the jolt, officials have been told.
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The stun gun was reportedly brought by an on-duty officer to the party, where civilians were socializing with off-duty officers. Some partygoers asked to be Tasered, and allegedly they were.
The report of recreational Tasering has prompted a high-level performance management review that involves as many as four officers.
"Police are investigating an allegation that a Taser was used in an unauthorized manner," Brandon Police Service Sgt. Rick Semler said. "It's alleged that the Taser was used in an unauthorized demonstration at a social gathering."
Brandon police usually don't discuss internal matters publicly, but Semler said the force is making a public statement partly because Tasers are under scrutiny following the deaths of men who were shocked by police in other Canadian cities.
Shortly after those national incidents in October, including an airline passenger who died after he was Tasered in the Vancouver airport, Brandon police promised they would investigate any local allegations of Taser misuse.
"The police service is standing by this," Semler said. "We believe the public needs to know that such commitments are taken very seriously."
The incident reportedly happened in late October at a Brandon home where on-duty and off-duty police were present, Semler said.
Curious civilian
A source said the Taser was used on at least one officer and at least one willing, curious civilian. There was no account of which part of their bodies was hit.
Semler wouldn't give further details of the Taser incident, such as how many people were shocked, or whether there were alcoholic beverages at the party.
Brandon Police Association president Kevin Loewen said he's aware of the police review but didn't have details.
Officers are divided in their opinions about the alleged incident. Some don't think it's a big deal. Others are concerned that it shows Taser guns are being used too lightly.
Members of the media, including Free Press police reporter Bruce Owen, were Tasered as part of an organized demonstration when Manitoba police forces introduced the stun guns in 2006.
Despite the differing opinions, Semler said Brandon police take the alleged party incident seriously.
"We have to be professional," he said. "We will investigate any allegation of unauthorized or misuse of a Taser, and that's what we're doing."
He 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.
-- Brandon Sun
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