Evidence of meeting #9 for Public Safety and National Security in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was rcmp.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Dave MacKenzie Conservative Oxford, ON
Sure. That's fair.
My other comment is that you have fairly strong views, after three months in the job, and when we talk particularly about the taser, that whole genre of tools for police officers, you suggested that they should not have them unless they've had five years of experience—I think that was the suggestion. What would you say about a police officer going on the street, armed with a handgun, after 26 weeks?
Interim Chair, Commission for Public Complaints Against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
It's a very good point. I don't pretend that my views are the be-all and end-all. That's why it's very helpful to get the input, as we have, from the people who have to actually deal with these situations. I am concerned, though, that because the taser has been up until recently considered a non-lethal weapon, there has been a sense that it could be used more readily than it likely should.
Conservative
Dave MacKenzie Conservative Oxford, ON
Might it be fairer to say that, properly used, it's not so much the time of the service of the individual but better discipline and better training? And by discipline I mean in the sense of training, and so on.
Interim Chair, Commission for Public Complaints Against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Absolutely. People have to know what to expect.
When I was thinking in terms of time, and I think this applies to police officers and people in any profession or position, when you've seen what happens you have a better sense as to what to expect and you're probably more likely to get it right.
Conservative
Liberal
The Vice-Chair Liberal Mark Holland
Let me take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. McPhail, and the other witnesses, for appearing before the committee and for your time in appearing today.
Seeing no further business, I'll call the meeting adjourned.