RCMP faced criticism, complaints over Taser use

by CTV — August 18, 2008

RCMP email documents reveal that while police struggled with criticism connected to Taser use and the Robert Dziekanski case, they also faced a barrage of public complaints.

In one of the documents, released to The Canadian Press, a senior Mountie complained they were being "crucified" and the record needed to be set straight with the media.

All the email interaction came after last year's death of Dziekanski in Vancouver last October, and focuses on the media message.

Among the documents are complaint letters, many laced with foul language, accusing police of being everything from clowns to killers.

One even suggests family members of the officers involved deserve the same treatment as Dziekanski, who died shortly after being hit with a Taser and manhandled by officers.

R-C-M-P spokesman Sergeant Tim Shields admits the entire issue has hurt the Mounties' public image, and says the attacks from some members of the public have been disheartening.

Source:CTV