OPP commissioner defends Tasers

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino is again defending the use of Tasers by police officers.

Speaking Monday at the Belleville Rotary Club, Fantino said it would it "foolish" to do away with the stun guns.

Ifsociety asks police officers to put their lives on the line, then it should continue to equip them properly, Fantino said.

In London, Ont., last week, Fantino said he wished critics of Taser use would be just as upset when an officer is killed in the line of duty.

Tasers are 'most effective use-of-force option': Sudbury police chief

In Sudbury, Ont., meanwhile, deputy police chief Frank Elsner has called Tasers the "most effective use-of-force option" he's seen in his career.

Tasers have been used by Sudbury police officers 91 times since 2003, and Elsner said he's not aware of any complaints of inappropriate Taser use.

Taser use has been put into question following the recent death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver's airport. The House of Commons public safety committee has voted to investigate the death.

A 36-year-old man from Chilliwack, B.C., Robert Knipstrom, died Saturday in hospital after two police officers used a Taser onhim last week.

Also last week, Howard Hyde, a man with psychiatric problems, died a day after being Tasered by police as he tried toleave Halifax police headquarters during booking on an assault charge.