FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 1, 2018 12:00pm
(Ottawa) – A report outlining a consultation plan on the future deployment of Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), commonly referred to as Tasers, was approved by the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) on Monday, February 26, 2018.
“The Consultation Plan has been designed to raise awareness about CEWs and de-escalation training at the Ottawa Police Service. It will better ensure that stakeholders and the public have the opportunity to provide feedback that will be used in the development of a CEW expansion plan,” said Supt. Mark Ford.
A variety of consultative approaches will be used during the month of March and are outlined in the report. They include:
- An online questionnaire for community members;
- Interviews, targeted outreach and focus groups;
- Ongoing communication, including community updates, earned media, social media and web-based information.
The February report to the Board summarizes the key findings from the 2016 CEW Evaluation, and details increased de-escalation and communication training that all Ottawa Police officers must take.
“The information gathered through the consultation will help inform a report to the OPSB in the spring of 2018 outlining recommendations to expand the current CEW program,” added Supt. Ford.
More information on CEWs is available online.
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