Use of force by Saskatoon police drops 3.4 per cent

Saskatoon police usedweapons and physical force less in 2018 than they did the year before, according to newly released statistics.

Officers used force on 47 fewer occasions than they did in 2017 during initial contact with suspects, handcuffing, searches, arrests and transportation, wrote Insp. Patrick Nogierin a report to Saskatoon's police commissioners..

"This could potentially be attributed to an enhanced emphasis on de-escalation techniques and increasing officer experience," Nogierwrote.

Overall, police reviewed 253 instances in 2018 where officers reportedthe use of force.

'Noticeable reduction' in vehicle chases

Nogier said that compared to 2017, he saw a "noticeable reduction" in the number of times officers tried to pursue a vehicle.

Last year, police engaged in 180 vehicle chases. This year that fell by nearly 40 per cent.

Meanwhile, police dogs bit people 21 times last year, compared to 33 dog bites in 2017.

More 'erratic', meth-fueledsuspects held in restraint chair

Officers did reporthaving to use force almost twice as often this yearin incarcerating suspects, with a "substantial rise in the use of a restraint chair" inside Saskatoon police cells.

The device is to be used when someone demonstrates violent, suicidal or self-destructive behaviour, police said.

Suspects were bound in the restraint chair 23 times last year, compared to 8 times in 2017.

"This dangerous and erratic behaviour being displayed by those requiring the restraint chair is likely fuelled by substance abuse and the volatility of street drugs containing methamphetamine," Nogiersaid.

People in the chair are "closely monitored by detention and medical personnel by way of audio-visual communications to ensure they don't experience any medical issues," Nogier wrote.

Taser use has tripled since 2016

The use of conducted energy weapons, or Tasers, has tripled since 2016, with 33 instanceswhere Tasers were firedin Saskatoon last year.

The report's findings will be reviewed by Saskatoon'sBoard of Police Commissioners at its meeting today.

"This dialogue should help in dispelling misconceptions, promoting transparency and encouraging accountability within our community," the report concluded.