Decision on CEW expansion welcomed by Ottawa Police

(Ottawa) The Ottawa Police Service welcomes the provincial decision to allow police services boards to expand the issuance authority of Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs) to front line officers.

“The CEWs, more commonly known as tasers, have been in use in Ottawa for several years and are currently issued to all front line supervisors on patrol and the OPS tactical unit. They have been an effective option for officers involved in situations where use of force is necessary,” said Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau.

The OPS will assess its intervention and use-of-force options and needs in relation to training and equipping front-line personnel in the use of CEWs. The Service expects to have a workable implementation plan in front of the Ottawa Police Services Board before the end of the year.

“In view of this new authority for the Board, our policies and procedures will need to be assessed,” said Bordeleau. “This will require our police service to receive authorization from the Board.”

The tasers have been deployed about 18 times per year.

The OPS is committed to protecting the safety and security of everyone we serve. We constantly work to ensure that our training and preparation reflect the realities of policing and provides officers the various tools they need to intervene with individuals and de-escalate situations.

The use of a CEW is regulated in Ontario by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) under the Police Services Act (PSA) including which model can be used and which officers are qualified and permitted to carry a CEW.

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