Deputy police chief outlines benefits of Taser investment by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Friday, October 23, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com As a jury ponders the fate of the Toronto police officer who shot and killed Sammy Yatim, Halton police discussed how a recent decision to equip more officers with Tasers prevented a similar tragedy recently in Oakville. During Thursday's meeting of the Halton Regional Police Service Board, Deputy Chief Carol Crowe noted on Sunday, Sept. 27, police were called to a northeast Oakville residence after receiving reports a suicidal man, armed with a knife, was threatening to kill himself and his family. "Upon their arrival, they (officers) were confronted by the male, who had the knife in his hand," said Crowe. "One officer had his firearm drawn, the other had his CEW (Conductive Energy Weapon-Taser), which he deployed, but it was ineffective. One of the probes did not stick." At that point, the man with the knife charged the officer holding the firearm, but was hit and incapacitated by a second shot from the other officer's Taser. The 47-year-old Oakville man was taken into custody and charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon. "It is important for us to have less lethal options available to our officers should there be a threat of serious harm or death," said Crowe. "In the days when only supervisors were authorized to carry Tasers, that incident could have ended much, much differently because we did not have a supervisor on scene at that point in time," she explained. Front-line officers only began carrying Tasers this year at a cost of $400,000 to the 2015 police budget. The specific model of Taser equipped by Halton police allows for two shots, which Crowe noted was key in the situation she described. "Previously, the models we carried only had one cartridge, so had that been the case in this situation, that officer would have been out of options as far as the CEW went," said Crowe. The deputy chief said this incident is particularly relevant as the trial of a Toronto police officer who shot Yatim gets underway. Yatim, who was armed with a knife, was shot by Const. James Forcillo on a Toronto streetcar back in July 2013. Forcillo is charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the incident. The Crown has argued Yatim's death was not necessary given the situation. Crowe introduced the discussion on the same day the Halton Region Police Services Board approved a $139.7-million budget for the Halton police for 2016. Regional council must still approve the budget. Certified Auto Glass Technicians with 22 years of experience inside today's Editorial Artscene 6 24 Beaver www.insideHALTON.com All Windshield,Door & Back Glass In Stock! We pAy up to 100% oF InSurAnce DeDuctIBle · We deal directly with your Insurance Company · Lifetime Warranty against leaks epairs · Stone chip repairs Service · Free Mobile Ser kup & Dr Drop Off · Free Pickup Sports Classified 26 28 For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com Sore Feet, Sports Injury, Painful Ingrown Toenails? Plantar Warts? We can help! Exceptional footcare for all ages. · Routine footcare · Corns & calluses · Plantar warts · Heel/arch/foot pain · Diabetic footcare and education · Thick or ingrown nails · Nail surgery · Injections · Sports related foot problems & injuries · Custom made orthotics for sports and every day J. Richard Werkman · Sigvaris® compression stockings and socks chiropodist · Evening appointments available D.Ch., B.Sc., Podiatric Medicine · New patients welcome! · No referral required f f o % 5 2 Offer ends Nov. 7th 2015. Alleviate Joint Pain and Sports Injuries with Custom Orthotics located on the north/west corner of Maple Grove Dr. and Cornwall Rd. 1495 Cornwall Rd., Suite 33, Oakville www.werkman.ca rchase u p e r i t n your e d only! a s i h t h wit T: 905-845-4817 Top Rated Tire & Auto Shop By Yellow Pages TIRE & AUTO CENTRE OAkvILLE MANUfACTURERs REbATE sALE ON NOW! (Most brands on sale) $50.00 REBATE (some conditions apply) $70.00 ViSA PREPAid CARd NEW MILLENIUM 281 Speers Road, Oakville 905.339.0339 1.855.339.0339 th W ay $40.00 REBATE be UP TO iza cr of t $65.00 PREPAid MASTER CARd UP TO $100.00 iN REBATES Rd $80.00 iN REBATES ee n Ke Qu *Some additional charges apply to complex adjustments Family owned and operated. We're committed to providing you with the highest level of service, so you'll always choose us for your maintenance and repair needs. Sp ee Dr rs Ro Alignment Special* 10% OFF W ye El rr $70.00 MAiL iN REBATE ChOsen One Of Oakville's bEsT AUTO sERvICE CENTREs ANd TIRE shOp Do St . rv al ad 670 Fourth line, Unit 20, Oakville | 905-845-0770 | www.nmtoakville.ca www.speersautoglass.ca