Monday, June 1, 2009 - OTTAWA-Today, the RCMP announced that it is removing all its M26 Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) from active service until each unit can be tested. This follows results of the testing commissioned by the Province of British Columbia of 128 CEWs drawn from B.C. municipal police departments, B.C. Corrections and the B.C. Sheriffs. Results showed that 80% of the devices failed to operate within the manufacturers specifications. The results also showed that 90% of these units produced less electrical output than would be expected, potentially presenting both public and officer safety risks.
The RCMP will continue testing the M26 CEWs in its inventory across the country. Only those confirmed to be functioning appropriately will be returned to service. The RCMP CEW inventory also includes 1561 X26 CEWs. The RCMP will develop strategies to mitigate against potential shortages of CEWs in certain areas of the country while testing is underway.
The RCMP is in the process of updating its CEW inventory, replacing older M26 units with the more reliable X26 model. The new model is smaller and produces less output while achieving the same operational result.
The RCMP continues to believe that when properly used in appropriate situations by officers who are well trained, the CEW is a useful tool which contributes to the safety and security of the public and police.
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For more information:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Media Relations, 613-993-2999
