RCMP acknowledge public worry over Taser use at Vancouver airport

The RCMP have acknowledged the public is concerned about the officers' role in the death of a Polish immigrant after he was hit by a police Taser.

But two days after the release of a graphic video horrified people across the country, Staff Sgt. John Ward said in a statement the force is confident that the multiple investigations underway will be able to address those worries.

RCMP said the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team looking into the death of Robert Dziekanski on Oct. 14 includes an independent observer from the Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP.

"This individual has been involved from the onset of this investigation with full and unfettered access to the file and investigators," the statement said.

The person's role "is to monitor whether the investigation is conducted in a fair and unbiased manner. Upon completion, all of the investigative findings will be reviewed and if there is evidence to support criminal action a report will be forwarded to Crown for charge consideration."

'… if there is evidence to support criminal action, a report will be forwarded to Crown for charge consideration.' —Staff Sgt. John Ward, RCMP E Division

The Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP is also conducting an investigation into the actions of the RCMP officers.

There has been an international outcry since the release Wednesday of the video taken by a bystander of the last moments of Dziekanski's life.

RCMP hit him with a Taser seconds after they arrived on the scene.

Media websites and radio talk shows have been flooded with comments from the public, many of them critical of the RCMP's actions.

But others acknowledge the police have a tough job and people shouldn't be so quick to criticize without knowing all the facts.

Dziekanski died minutes after being zapped twice by a Taser in the airport's international arrivals area.

He had been at the airport for about 10 hours and became agitated while waiting for his mother to pick him up.

A video showed Dziekanski, who didn't speak English, trying to barricade himself into the secure area of the arrivals terminal.

Ward said: "The community can also be assured that all of the officers involved will be called upon to testify under oath at the upcoming coroner's inquest."

"This venue will allow the contents of the video and the actions of police to be scrutinized," he said.

"Family and other interest groups will be able to apply for standing at the inquest and this will provide them the opportunity to ask questions to all those involved."

He said the RCMP will participate in any government-directed review of its policies or the use of Tasers.

"We are confident that all processes available to allow for full disclosure and review of the facts are underway and their results and findings will be available to the public upon completion."