A new report presented to the Calgary Police Commission highlighted an increase in use of force incidents involving Calgary police officers in 2023. The report attributed this increase to the rise in interactions with the public and the crime rate. The interactions between officers and members of the public reached the highest count since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately 580,000 interactions recorded, resulting in 901 instances of use of force by officers. Despite the increase in interactions with the public compared to previous years, the report noted that the use of force incidents in 2023 were on par with the average over the last five years and lower than the number reported in 2019.
The report also highlighted specific statistics regarding the use of different force methods by Calgary police officers in 2023. The use of conducted energy weapons increased by 41 percent compared to the five-year average, with almost half of those incidents resulting in warnings only. Dynamic takedowns saw a 50 percent increase over the five-year average, with 367 incidents recorded in 2023. Additionally, officers pointed a firearm 32 times last year, which was a 54 percent increase over the five-year average, translating to once every two weeks. Firearms were fired by officers five times in 2023, while police service dogs were used 49 times, down 27 percent compared to the average.
The Calgary Police Service identified several situational factors that contributed to the increase in use of force incidents in 2023. These factors included an increase in weapons present in crime, a higher volume and severity of violent crimes, and an eight percent increase in violent crimes compared to the previous year. The report noted that incidents involving the use of force typically involved individuals experiencing an elevated level of distress, as well as alcohol or drug intoxication. The subjects involved in these incidents were described as agitated, assaultive, displaying unpredictable mood swings, and attempting to harm themselves or others. The report also revealed that 75 percent of individuals involved in use of force incidents had at least five prior interactions with the police.
During the presentation of the report, Commissioner Heather Campbell inquired about the availability of disaggregated data using race-based demographics. Calgary police deputy chief Chad Tawfik mentioned that he expects this data to be available later in the year. Tawfik also addressed concerns about the potential bias in the use of force incidents, stating that while someone’s criminal history may not always be known prior to an interaction, individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system may be more likely to be involved in use of force situations. The report highlighted the need for fast and safe de-escalation techniques to prevent further harm or injuries to the subjects or others involved in the incidents.
Overall, the report presented to the Calgary Police Commission indicated an increase in use of force incidents involving Calgary police officers in 2023, attributed to various factors such as increased interactions with the public and a rise in the crime rate. Specific statistics regarding the use of different force methods by officers were also outlined, with increases seen in the use of conducted energy weapons, dynamic takedowns, and pointing firearms. The report emphasized the need for de-escalation techniques in volatile situations and highlighted the prevalence of prior interactions with police among individuals involved in use of force incidents. Additionally, concerns about potential bias in the use of force were addressed, with plans to provide disaggregated data using race-based demographics in the future.
