PAO Urges Police Services to Equip Front Line Officers with CEWs

Public and Officer Safety Protected with CEWs

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Police Association of Ontario is urging Police Services across the province to begin training and equipping front line police officers with Conducted Electrical Weapons, as appropriate to local needs.

"Our top priority is to keep the public and our officers safe.  CEWs are safety equipment that can do just that.  CEWs give front line officers a broader range of tools to use when facing the very broad range of circumstances on the streets, each and every day," says Police Association of Ontario President, Dave McFadden.

The PAO has been working with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and other stakeholders for a number of years to review the use of CEWs. The Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of MCSCS announced today that Ontario will allow police services boards and Chiefs of Police to determine which officers should be permitted to carry CEWs, based on their local needs and circumstances.

"We welcome the Minister's announcement.  There has been extensive review in Canada and worldwide on the use of CEW's for front line officers. The technology is always improving and training is always improving. Many Coroner's Inquests have recommended broader deployment of this tool. "

The PAO suggests Police Services across Ontario begin the training of officers and broader deployment of CEWs, as quickly as possible.

"Public safety and officer safety are the top priorities for the PAO, and we believe the public shares those priorities.  Any discussion about resources has to keep these priorities top of mind, at all times."

SOURCE: Police Association of Ontario

Dave McFadden, President or Paul DiSimoni, CAO - 905.670.9770