WHEREAS police officers selected to use conducted energy devices (CEDs or “TASERS” as they are often referred to) receive special training on the safe use of these less-lethal weapons and, as with firearms or any other instrument of force available to police, their use is subject to rules and safeguards; and

WHEREAS the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services has approved the use of CEDs by front-line supervisors and tactical units in Ontario police services; and

WHEREAS many police services purchased the devices based on assurances by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services in 2005 to the OACP leadership that the Ontario Government would commit to using proceeds funding to fund the purchase CEDs on a cost-shared basis with police services.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police calls upon the Government of Ontario to establish a cost-sharing program for those police services that choose to purchase CEDs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the OACP calls upon the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to amend regulations to allow for the expansion of CEDs for front-line police officers.