Front line officers with the North Bay Police Service were all trained an outfitted with Taser X2 Conducted Energy Weapons.
That announcement came last March and training began last spring.
Deputy Chief Scott Tod believes it is a priority for officers to have the ability use a taser weapon.
“I think it’s extremely important in regards to our ability to respond to violent individuals or individuals who are displaying violence in our community, and it’s a less than lethal alternative that our members have to them and it gives them another option to effectively deal with a danger in the public,” stated Tod.
Officers must submit a report on the use of force when a conducted energy weapon is used in the probe mode, the drive stun mode, or the demonstrative mode on another person.
“Certainly it’s only used when there is an anticipation to violence to occur or in regards to apprehending an individual we believe may be violent and destructive in nature so it could be used in either situation but generally involves a level of criminality,” stated Tod.
The service hopes the presence of Tasers on North Bay officers will eventually lead to a reduction in use of force incidents in the community.
Officers are required to complete an annual Taser X2 re-certification.
