Arrest of disabled veteran didn't justify Taser use, says criminologist

A criminologist says he believes police used unnecessary force when arresting a disabled veteran from Lunenburg County on Feb. 28, 2016.

Darryl Davies, a criminologist at Carleton University, says he thinks it's part of a wider problem in Canada.

"There was no justification for the officers in that situation to use a Taser," said Davies.

Bruce Webb is facing charges of resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer after an incident at his home on Feb. 28. Police say they received multiple 911 calls from the residence, which is why they went to arrest him.

'No justification for deploying the Taser'

Security video shows Webb refusing to open the door to police.

An RCMP officer forces the door open and grabs Webb by the shoulder, knocking a phone from his hand.  

Webb then attempts to hit the officer.

Three officers are present when one deploys a conductive energy weapon, known as a Taser, to subdue and handcuff him.

"If a large number of policemen are present, and they could have assisted in subduing the individual and handcuffing him, there's absolutely no justification for deploying the Taser," he said.

Davies says he believes police require more training in de-escalating confrontations with the public, and using the minimum amount of force required.

"Ultimately, they have to use judgement and tact. And training is not teaching them that," he said.

Possible SIRT investigation to come

An RCMP spokesperson says the officers behaved correctly and lawfully at all times.

Cpl. Jennifer Clarke says the conductive energy weapon was deployed for the safety of both the officers and of Webb.

The province's police oversight unit, the Serious Incident Response Team, is looking into this incident to see if it falls under its public interest mandate.

SIRT will make an announcement Wednesday about whether a formal review will go ahead.

Webb will appear in court April 27 for election and plea. He has been charged with assaulting a peace officer, mischief and resisting and obstructing a peace officer.

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service says Webb had no previous criminal record.