ARCHIVED - Chair-Initiated Public Complaint: Use of Conducted Energy Weapon on Mr. Frank Lasser in Kamloops, B.C. Hospital Bed on May 3, 2008

May 9, 2008

File No: 2008-1192

As Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP, I am initiating a complaint into the conduct of those unidentified RCMP members present at, or engaged in, the apparent subduing of Mr. Frank Lasser, an 82-year-old man, in hospital in Kamloops, British Columbia by the use of a conducted energy weapon (CEW) on May 3, 2008.

Given the on-going expressions of public concern as they relate to: the degree and type of force required by police officers when subduing individuals and, as in this case, the specific concerns raised in respect of the use of conducted energy weapons, including related policy, procedures and guidelines for deployment, I am satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to investigate the conduct of all members involved in this incident.

Accordingly, pursuant to subsection 45.37(1) of the RCMP Act, I am today initiating a complaint into the conduct of all RCMP members involved in this incident, specifically:

1. whether the RCMP members involved in the events on May 3, 2008 in Kamloops, B.C., where 82-year-old Frank Lasser was allegedly subdued with the use of a conducted energy weapon, complied with all appropriate policies, procedures, guidelines and statutory requirements; and
2. whether existing RCMP policies, procedures and guidelines applicable to such an incident are adequate.