NPCC respond to annual police use of force statistics

These statistics provide the public with more information on the different types of force used by police and are classified as Experimental Statistics by the Home Office. 

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Self Defence and Restraint, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: 

“Officers have thousands of interactions with the public across the country every day, and force is rarely used in the vast majority of those. When it is necessary to use force – for example, when someone poses an immediate danger to others or themselves - it is used proportionately and lawfully.

“Use of force recording includes a wide range of methods available to officers, including handcuffing and restraint. This data contextualises how police use force, and what tactics are available to officers. It also breaks down the phases of escalation for equipment such as Taser.

“Most commonly, officers only use force to protect themselves from attack, which has been an increasing concern for chiefs in the last year as assaults against officers have increased.

 “This is the third year that this data has been collected, and provides a very clear and transparent overview of how recording of use of force breaks down. Chiefs are committed to improving recording methods, which is reflected in the overall figures rising in recent years.  In providing the best possible service to the public, we will use the data to shape future decisions about training and equipment.”

This year's statistical bulletin can be found here.