B.C. police forces suspend use of pre-2006 Tasers

Municipal police forces in British Columbia have joined the RCMP in suspending the use of all Tasers bought before Jan. 1, 2006.

Solicitor General John van Dongen said Tuesday the weapons will be tested to ensure that the electrical currents generated are consistent with the manufacturer's specifications.

"We are establishing a provincial standard for both testing and calibration so that we know that all of the equipment that's in service meets the required specifications," he said.

Van Dongen said the government has taken the action in the interest of public and officer safety.

B.C. Corrections will follow suit and suspend the use of pre-2006 Tasers.

Municipal police forces also agreed to establish a standard for regular calibration of all Tasers used in the province, and the RCMP in B.C. have been asked to comply.

The RCMP said it is pulling some of its Tasers for testing after a CBC News and Radio-Canada investigation found some of the stun guns deliver a higher level of electricity than the manufacturer promises.

Airport death sparks public concern

Police use of Tasers has generated intense public concern after Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski died at Vancouver International Airport over a year ago. An RCMP officer jolted him with a Taser shortly before his death.

The Braidwood Inquiry, which has been looking at the use of Tasers and circumstances surrounding Dziekanski's death, will continue to examine the use of the weapons by municipal police, SkyTrain police, sheriffs and corrections officials in the second phase of the public hearing.

The provincial government said it will carefully consider all recommendations that come out of the inquiry.