Use of Force 2019/2020 Q4

Only 7% of incidents which took place in January to March 2020 involved Use of Force.

• Total number of incidents: 39,370
• Number of Uses of Force recorded: 2,657

How we used force during this time period?

Types of Use of Force used

• Tactical communication: 365
• Unarmed skill used (push, wrist lock): 1,308
• Handcuffs: 922
• Incapacitant drawn/used: 76
• Spit guard used: 110
• Taser usage: 221 (fired: 36)
• Baton drawn/used: 6
• Police dog deployed: 4
• Firearm discharged: 0 (drawn/presented: 0)

Statistical breakdown of data

Gender of the subject:

• 21% Female
• 79% Male

Ethnicity of the subject:

• 4% Black
• 1% Asian
• 60% White British
• 2% Other
• 33% Unknown/not stated

Reason for Use of Force:

• 41% Prevent harm
• 24% Arrest
• 13% Prevent offence
• 11% Apprehension
• 5% Other
• 6% Unknown

Subject characteristics:

• 30% Violent behaviour/language
• 22% Mental health
• 20% Alcohol/drugs
• 18% Other
• 6% Threats
• 4% Weapon