-
Essay / Coercive Force Essay - 1899
According to Sousa, W., Ready, J. and Ault, M., (2010), the use of conductive energy devices, or CEDs, to regulate or pacify suspects aggressive behavior has become a more common practice in North America. However, the use of Tasers is the subject of growing controversy. Police say they can incapacitate suspects without causing bodily harm or distress. When in fact, several studies have been conducted and show that certain deaths are linked to the use of Tasers. Sousa, W., Ready, J. and Ault, M. (2010). Just eight years ago, Canada once again experienced what conductive energy devices are truly capable of. On October 13, 2007, Robert Dziekanski left Poland to join his mother in Canada. Upon entering the Vancouver airport to meet his mother, Robert was sitting and/or sleeping in the baggage carousel area which is closed to the public. After the Canada Border Services Agency escorted Robert to the waiting area, he became aggressive, banging on the door and yelling to let him back into the baggage carousel portion of the airport. At that point, four officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, were called for assistance. Officers used the Taser on Mr Dziekanski a total of four times before he fell unconscious and died at the scene. Autopsy finds Robert Dziekanski's death may have been directly linked to use of force by law enforcement.