[Peter666]

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It was just lazy policing. Rather than take the time to subdue him, the police thought they could zap him and get out of there quickly. He was a big guy and the police didn't want a physical confrontation. I can't say I blame them. Death by taser is very rare. If the man didn't die, this would have been a non-issue.

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Well it's not an non-issue. Their improper procedure is completely unforgivable and their blatant use of uneccessary force should result in
severe punishment.

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But it wasn't improper procedure. The Polish man did not follow the officer's instructions (he didn't place his hands on the counter) and exhibited assault like behaviour by throwing computer equipment around earlier. This is grounds for non-lethal use of force. It is up to the officer's discretion on what to use. I don't think the RCMP were out to get anyone here.

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didnt watch the video but iirc the man didnt speak english so how was he supposed to follow the officers instructions?

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Obviously he couldn't, which just compounds the tragedy. But a police officer did clearly point to the counter trying to show him what to do. Also, watching the video again, the Polish man was fighting even after being tasered. There was no chance to administer first aid, as he died right after the struggle.

Now the idiots in the NDP party are calling for a ban on Tasers, despite the fact that hundreds of lives have been saved by the device. I would like to see how these armchair quarterbacks would have handled the situation. It's like the idiots who think cops should shoot the gun out of a criminal's hand.

The one practical thing that can be done to avoid this situation is to have an information person monitor the area between customs and baggage. Also, don't quit smoking cold turkey while travelling.