Regina saw eight per cent rise in police officers using force in 2023

Regina Police say a rise in officers using force is due to complexities in the community.

According to newly released statistics, officers in the Queen City used force 249 times in 2023. That represents an eight per cent rise over 2022, when 230 incidents of police using force were reported.

“Over the grand scheme of a year, it isn’t a whole ton, but at the same time it is on the rise,” said Deputy Police Chief Lorliee Davies.

Davies said the increase speaks to what’s occurring in the community.

“We’re seeing more firearms, more violent offenses. We have people with really complex needs who may not be making the best decisions at all times,” she said.

“I think if you said to somebody (and asked) ‘Is it a surprise to you that use of force went up minimally in the city?’ I think the answer would probably be no.”

Davies said that in any situation, de-escalation is the most important step officers should take, but it’s not always possible.

“In the best-case scenario, everybody complies with directions of officers, and that’s the end of the story. But, unfortunately, that’s not what happens in all cases,” she said.

“There could be situations where you have to go right to your firearm, or there could be situations where you have to deploy your pepper spray.”

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Davies said there are four levels which the use of force by officers falls under to ensure they are using it appropriately.

In 249 use-of-force incidents last year, Davies said the Use Of Force Review Board determined in 232 of the incidents – 93 per cent – were classified as level one, meaning the response was considered fully appropriate.

“Let’s say it was, for instance, you went to arrest somebody, they pulled away or maybe they swung at the officer. The officer had to grab onto their hand. That type of thing could be level one,” Davies explained.

“But level one could also be something that is even a more serious use of force, but still appropriate within the situation.”

Another 14 incidents were determined to be level two, meaning the use of force was appropriate but may have fallen slightly out of line with the police force’s policy.

The review board ruled that three incidents last year were level three, meaning the officer’s use of force could result in discipline.

Davies said the Regina Police Service had no use-of-force incidents classified at a level four, which could have a criminal outcome.

A five-year comparison of use-of-force incidents by the Regina Police Service. (Regina Police Service)