Conducted energy weapon expert testifies at coroner’s inquest

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Of the 11 trigger pulls, only four achieved effective incapacitation, meaning the probes maintained a connection for more than five seconds. Kot said the close-quarters struggle inside the vehicle would have made it difficult for officers to deploy the CEWs effectively.

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“He may have had pain compliance, but that’s about it,” he said. 

Testimony heard this week indicated Umpherville resisted and displayed “superhuman” strength as he ripped the probes from his skin, in some cases breaking the connection after only a second.   

One of the probes actually connected with, and was found attached to the loaded handgun Umpherville had strapped to his chest area.   

Kot, who is one of a handful of people in the province to have a master certification in conducted energy weapons, brought a device to the courtroom similar to the one used on April 1, 2023, and demonstrated what an arc warning sounds like. Noting the small red and green circles that showed up on the wall, representing the targets if actual probes were deployed, Kot explained the weapon is most effective when the probes connect far apart, essentially causing a large contraction of the muscles and temporary paralysis to allow officers time to handcuff the subject. 

He confirmed for counsel that probes can penetrate clothing, but added there could be issues if the subject is wearing multiple layers or perhaps a down-filled jacket. 

Following a nearly 20-minute struggle with officers, Umpherville suffered cardiac arrest. Peter Abrametz, the lawyer representing Umpherville’s family, asked Kot if conducted energy weapons can cause cardiac arrest. 

Kot replied that, as part of training, he had been tasered multiple times and had also overseen many investigations where conducted energy weapons were used. 

“I have never seen a heart attack occur.” 

Mitch Holash, the lawyer representing the Prince Albert Police Service, asked Kot if he could suggest anything that would have improved their effectiveness. 

Kot replied that newer conducted energy weapons are now on the market with improved probe placement. 

“You still have to have that good connection.” 

The coroner’s inquest is expected to conclude on Friday.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com