Figures show nearly all police incidents across West Mercia were 'resolved without force or conflict' - The Droitwich Standard

Figures show nearly all police incidents across West Mercia were 'resolved without force or conflict'

Droitwich Editorial 18th Sep, 2017   0

UP TO 98 per cent of police incidents in the West Merica area are resolved without force or conflict, figures reveal.

The statistics, based on incidents from April to June this year, focus on tactics by West Mercia Police officers including taking hold of someone’s arm, using handcuffs, deploying a police dog and using a baton, irritant spray, Taser or firearm.

Police officers respond to thousands of incidents each day and the thre-month period, 1,217 incidents out of 66,692 were resolved without requiring these techniques or any form of conflict.

The most recorded use of force tactic this year was unarmed skills, which includes taking physical hold of someone and holding someone on the ground, with handcuffing as the second most used.




Steve Cullen, head of operations chief superintendent, said: “As a police service we have a duty to protect people from harm and these techniques are in place to resolve dangerous situations whilst protecting the public at the scene, the individual under arrest and the officers in attendance.

“Police officers are confronted with difficult situations every day. They walk towards danger when others walk away.


“They must think and act quickly and we ensure they are given the tools and training they need to help them make dynamic decisions on the actions needed to keep people safe.

“This data gives the public an insight into these challenges.”

West Mercia Police works with Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) and scrutiny forums to make sure the workforce are acting in the correct, lawful and non-discriminatory way.

The release of the data supports the new Home Office Annual Data Review (ADR) requirement and figures will be released on the West Mercia Police website quarterly.

This data will provide greater transparency into how and why force is used, strengthening the relationship between the police and the public.

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion said: “Our communities should feel reassured, that West Mercia Police officers are acting with integrity, professionalism and accountability as they continue to keep the public safe.”

Visit www.westmercia.police.uk/useofforce to find out more on the quarterly figures, along with other information about use of force.

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