A report presented to the City of Regina on Tuesday indicates that the city’s Police Service force utilization dropped 14% in 2021 compared to last year.
In total, there were 282 incidents where police used force in 2021. By 2020, this number increased to 329 cases.
Regina Police Service Chief Evan Bray said there was no concrete reason for the decline, but he acknowledged those numbers could rise again next year.
” The level of force used is often dictated by the suspect’s behavior. But we also know that a police officer’s behavior can often exacerbate or alleviate a situation. “
According to the report, 253 of the incidents involving the use of police force recorded in 2021 in Regina were classified as Level 1, which is considered appropriate use of force and in accordance with established Regina police policy. Regina.
Meanwhile, 29 other incidents recorded in the past year have been categorized as Level 2, meaning the level of force used is appropriate, but not fully consistent with Regina’s established police policy.
According to Evan Bray, the Regina Police Service provides intensive training to new recruits on how to deal with and calm a situation without using force.
He added that Regina police will soon launch a research project with people in custody. Researchers will ask them about their arrests and the steps that should be taken to calm a situation.
Source: Radio-Canada
