RCMP Watch

(Department of Public Safety Press Release) - The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, issued the following statement after asking Mr. Paul Kennedy, Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP (CPC), to undertake a review of RCMP protocols for the use of Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs), commonly know as Tasers. Mr. Kennedy has accepted this request, in addition to the review of the conduct of members of the RCMP in the case of Mr. Dziekanski.

“The death of Mr. Dziekanski is a tragic incident. I once again wish to extend my sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Dziekanski.

I have asked the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP to review all RCMP protocols on the use of CEDs and to assess the compliance of the RCMP with these protocols. This builds on the work currently underway by the Commission on the use of CEDs, as referred in its June 2007 Annual Report. Mr. Kennedy brings an informed perspective on this issue.

The Government of Canada takes this matter seriously and recognizes that Canadians must continue to have full confidence in their national police force. I am pleased that Mr. Kennedy has agreed to undertake this review. The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP will provide its initial assessment to me by December 12, 2007.

The RCMP is committed to fully cooperate with this review, as well as the other investigations into this incident.

The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP is independent and uniquely qualified to conduct this review quickly.”