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STM again says no to arming Montreal special constables with guns, stun guns
Montreal's transit agency refuses to arm special constables with firearms or stun guns, rebuffing a long-standing union demand.
Why it matters
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has decided not to arm its special constables with guns or stun guns, once again rejecting a long-standing union demand. The union has argued that batons, handcuffs and pepper spray are not enough to handle passengers armed with knives or firearms as violent incidents rise.
Full report
The STM says one reason for the refusal is that constables have been too quick to resort to use-of-force in some situations, and it prefers to favour de-escalation tactics. Quebec's workplace health and safety board had previously recommended the transit agency take an "urgent and more serious" look at what weapons constables may carry, but the STM held its ground.
According to STM figures, constables carried out 58,349 interventions last year, with 487 requiring the use of force. The union says the agency is not taking constables' safety seriously.
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