Tasers Used On TransLink Fare Evaders

eCanadaNow.com
Apr. 21, 2008

Vancouver, B.C.- Getting away with a free ride has always been a shocking experience, but for some TranLink riders in the Pacific Northwest that has taken on a new meaning.

Transit and regular Vancouver police have used stun Taser devices at least 10 times in the last two years, according to documents obtained through Access for information requests.

Police use of Tasers is a subject that is extremely charged, people claim that Taser use is cruel and a case of overkill. Police using Tasers according to the documents has shocked at least five people.

One man, who refused to identified himself was tasered when he refused to get off the SkyTrain when officials realized he had not paid.

Another man was tasered when police were notifed he had an outstanding warrent. Once aware of the warrent "the subject fled from the officers" and "the Taser was deployed . . . ."

The usage of Tasers is a controversial subject, but official documents obtained from Trans Link transit system in Vancouver show that the invasive system is being used by police against suspected fare evaders.

Internal reviews continue about the Police use of Stun guns on unarmed fair evaders. According to police sources, all usage of Taser stun guns has been within the National Use of Force guidelines.

Liberal Public Safety Critic and Former MP Ujjal Dosanih is not impressed with the police Taser usage and policy.

“It is absolutely uncalled for, its reprehensible, police should not be engaging in such actions,” said Mr. Dosanih.