West Mercia Police use of force increases

The latest police 'use of force' statistics, which are released every three months, also show that Tasers were used 13 times on suspects between January and March.

Force marksmen also aimed guns at suspects on 15 occasions over the three months, but no shots were fired.

The total number of incidents West Mercia Police dealt with during the latest period was 59,127, down on the previous quarter, when there were 64,294.

For January to March force was used in 1,299 incidents, up on the October to December figures where 1,024 uses of force were recorded – less than one per cent of all incidents dealt with.

The latest figures show that Tasers were drawn 42 times, and used on 13 occasions.

Spit hoods were used 27 times, CS spray 80 times, and police dogs 35 times, with suspects bitten on five occasions

Rise in attacks on police

The figures also revealed a rise in assaults on police officers, with 137 attacked over the space of the three months.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said that force is only used in rare occasions where it is a necessity.

He said: "Each day we respond to thousands of incidents across the communities we serve as we fulfil our role of upholding the law and keeping the peace.

"The vast majority of these matters are resolved without requiring any form of conflict.

"However, on very rare occasions there is a necessity for our officers to use force to safely diffuse a situation in order to protect people from harm.

"Use of force tactics include; an officer taking hold of someone's arm, using handcuffs, deploying a police dog and using a baton, irritant spray, taser or firearm.

"Our vision and values articulate that we are committed to protecting people from harm; this is underpinned by our code of ethics in being open and accountable for our actions.

"Therefore where use of force actions are taken a record is made and people can find figures relating to these incidents on our website.

"In all of our interactions we have a duty to act professionally and only use force that is reasonable, justifiable and proportionate for the circumstances.

"These interactions must also be in accordance with the principles provided by the code of ethics: accountability, fairness, honesty, integrity, leadership, objectivity, openness, respect and selflessness.

"It is important to recognise that each use of force incident involves a unique set of circumstances, with the officer's decision making based on a suspect's actions.

"Throughout any incident our officers continuously reassess the circumstances and adjust their response as appropriate to the evolving situation."

Chief Superintendent Kevin Purcell said that the past weekend had seen officers kicked and punched in the face. He said: “The use of force data has been a timely reminder that police officers do an extremely difficult job.

“Only this past weekend we have seen officers suffer assault and injury ranging from being kicked in the chest, kicked in the face and punched in the head.

“While every officer is aware that in the execution of their duty they may suffer injury or assault, they go into every situation with the welfare of the public as their primary concern, putting themselves second.

“I’m proud to serve alongside such selfless men and women.”