Military Police to Carry Conducted Energy Weapons

October 18, 2021 -  Defence Stories

Beginning in November, on Bases, Dockyards and Wings across the country, Military Police (MP) personnel will begin carrying Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW).

A CEW is an electrical impulse device, commonly known as Taser, that will assist MPs in gaining control of a subject in situations where the subject is assaultive, or where there is an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death.

While never to be used as a substitute for de-escalation, the addition of the CEW will add flexibility to employ an applicable level force to successfully resolve an altercation while securing the safety of MP personnel and anyone being protected by them.

Only trained MP personnel are authorized to carry, deploy and discharge the CEW. All MP personnel receive initial qualification training on the CEW in accordance with standard practices by qualified instructors which starts at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy. In addition, all CEW users will be required to undergo a yearly re-certification.

“Military Police undergo knowledge, marksmanship and scenario base training on the CEW prior to being qualified to carry and use the weapon. MP are exposed to scenarios in which they must decide if and when it is appropriate to de-holster, display the warning arc, or discharge a cartridge into a subject. Military Police continue to use de-escalation techniques and the existing use of force training to control a potentially violent scenario.” explains Sgt Eric Kellar, CEW instructor at the MP Detachment Kingston.

The Military Police diligently serves and protects the Defence community members and the DND/CAF. The addition of the CEW will help keep both our community and MPs safe.

Click here (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) for more information about the CEW being used by the MP.