More conducted energy weapons will be in the hands of Waterloo Regional Police officers, likely by next year.
The police board approved a motion Wednesday to arm front line officers with the electroshock weapon. If funding is approved, it will come as a cost of $539,000 from taxpayer wallets.
“We really see the conducted energy weapon as an additional tool,” said Waterloo Regional Police Chief, Bryan Larkin. “It’s a less lethal option. It’s part of the use of force wheel.”
The board approved 182 conducted energy weapons, and the price tag will be paid out over a three year span.
Each X2-model weapon cost approximately $2,100, with the money covering the device, holster cartridges and batteries.
Right now the local force has 81 stun guns and only half of the region’s police force is qualified to use the weapons.
Officers will be assigned to the weapons on a sign out basis, and must complete required training before handling them.
Officials say Tasers were used 20 times last year, and tactically displayed 58 times.
The head of the police union believes the sight of a stun gun is enough to disarm a possible suspect.
“I personally was in an incident where officers had their weapons out and the fellow had a knife… and when I was able to put the red dot from the CEW on him, he dropped the weapon,” said Waterloo Police Association President, Paul Perchaluk.
The move comes after the province changed the rules last August, and allowed all front-line officers to carry conducted energy weapons.
