A spokesperson with a provincial anti-racism organization says there is no need to expand taser use amongst Saskatchewan police forces.
On Monday, the Saskatchewan Police Commission gave the go ahead to all municipal forces in the province to have the option of utilizing tasers.
However, Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism spokesperson Bob Hughes says his organization fears the decision may serve to further harm people struggling with mental health issues and addictions when they run afoul of police.
Prior to Monday’s decision, only RCMP officers and those officers with special tactical units of municipal forces were authorized to use tasers in Saskatchewan.
The police commission says it consulted with a number of groups in the province before approving taser use on a wider level, including Aboriginal groups.