Another Taser Victim on Video: Utah Driver Refused to Sign Speeding Ticket

We have heard quite a bit from the "law and order" crowd about the many lives that have been saved by Tasers.

So allow us to ask...

How many lives were saved by this Utah police officer?

Judge for yourselves:

Digby comments:

Police in the country are now allowed to torture speeders by the side of the highway in order to get them to comply. The only difference between this officer slugging the speeder in the stomach and putting 50,0000 volts of electricity in him is that the latter doesn't leave any marks. The intent, the pain and the goose-stepping authoritarian message are exactly the same. Word to the wise. Do not ever question the police, no matter whether they are violating your rights, ignoring the constitution or breaking the law.

It is perfectly legal for them to torture you on the spot if you do.

I'm feeling so free I can hardly breathe.

Also see the ironic Tasers: Why Should Police Have all the Fun? from Red Tory

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto

Visit our Toronto Law Firm website: www.wiselaw.net

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Taser Canada

CBC reports that B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has apologized to the mother of Robert Dziekansk, a Polish immigrant who died on October 14 after being repeatedly stunned by an RCMP Taser:

"I'm sure the RCMP would be glad to apologize. So I'm glad to apologize on behalf of people in British Columbia for what took place," Campbell said on Monday about the recent death of Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver International Airport.

"That was something that was devastating to her [Dziekanski's mother Zosia Cisowski] in more ways than I can even begin to imagine."

Videotape, released last week, cast an international spotlight on the incident and on the use of the weapon by law enforcement in Canada.

The British Columbia provincial government has ordered a full public inquiry into the October 14 incident. The inquiry's terms of reference include:

• A review of the appropriate use and policies employed by police in British Columbia with respect to the Taser, and recommend necessary changes.
• A full review of the incident involving Dziekanski, including (but not limited to) the actions of the RCMP, Canadian Border Services and immigration processes and Vancouver airport.
• Recommendations on how procedures can be improved with respect to the handling of foreign passengers coming into British Columbia through the Vancouver airport.

The commissioner of the inquiry will be identified in the near future, and formal terms of reference will be drafted at that time... Once appointed, the commissioner will start the review immediately.

There is much related news on police use of Taser guns in Canada:

• RCMP use Taser on Chilliwack man during arrest - CBC
• Taser death triggers inquest and apology - Toronto Star
• Most Taser targets unarmed - Toronto Star
• Taser Study Reveals Most Victims Unarmed - CityNews
• Canada's ambassador meets with Polish officials about Taser incident - CBC
• Someone is finally acting (kinda acting) on tasers, and it's not the Conservatives - Peterborough Politics
• Canadian Press analysis of taser use; Another death; another TASER shot; and a note to CNN -The Galloping Beaver
• Excited Delirium ? - Engaged Spectator

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto

Visit our Toronto Law Firm website: www.wiselaw.net

EMPLOYMENT LAW • CIVIL LITIGATION • WILLS AND ESTATES • FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE