London police see uptick in use of force after addition of new Taser data [Video]

The number of use of force reports filed by London police officers last year rose by more than a quarter compared to 2022, according to a new report before the London Police Services Board this week.

The uptick is attributed to new reporting requirements for drawing and displaying Tasers. The number of use of force reports makes up about 0.33 per cent of all service calls last year, something the report says “underscores the efficacy” of de-escalation training.

Visible minority groups continue to be over-represented in use of force cases, according to the report.

As of January 2023, officers are required to report when they draw and display a Taser with the intent of compliance, or when they point a Taser at somebody. That resulted in an additional 74 reports that wouldn’t have been submitted previously.  

The increase isn’t because force is being used more, but reflects changes in use of force reporting, the reportfrom Insp. Dave Pratt and Deputy Chief …