London police use of force rose 17% in 2024. Officials cite expanded Taser deployment as a key factor, aiming to improve safety and de-escalation.
Annual Report Shows Notable Increase
Use of force by London Police Service officers increased by 17% in 2024, according to a report presented Wednesday to the London Police Services Board. Officials attributed the spike to the expansion of the service’s Taser program, aimed at enhancing officer and public safety through improved de-escalation tools.
More Officers Trained with Conducted Energy Weapons
The report notes that 337 use of force reports were filed in 2024, up from 287 the previous year. These reports stemmed from 308 separate incidents involving 448 individuals. A key driver of the increase was the use of conducted energy weapons (CEWs), or Tasers. The number of Taser-qualified officers rose from 242 in 2023 to 352 in 2024.
What Triggers a Use of Force Report?
Officers are required to file a use of force report under specific conditions, including drawing or pointing a firearm, discharging a weapon, deploying a Taser, or using force resulting in injury that requires medical care. Even displaying a Taser to encourage compliance, without discharging it, must be reported.
Taser Deployment Sees Sharpest Growth
While most incidents involved pointing a firearm—recorded 230 times—the largest year-over-year growth came from Taser use. In 2024, Tasers were drawn 100 times, aimed at individuals or animals 110 times, and discharged 50 times. These actions often overlap within a single incident and are counted separately in reporting protocols.
De-Escalation Attempted in Most Cases
The report emphasized that officers attempted de-escalation in 86% of all force-related incidents. Deputy Chief Treena MacSween explained that simply displaying a Taser often results in compliance without physical confrontation, which supports ongoing expansion of CEW training.
Canine Use and Downtown Incidents on the Rise
Canine unit deployments also contributed significantly to the rise in use of force reports, accounting for over one-third of the increase. Most incidents occurred in downtown London, where the frequency of police encounters tends to be higher due to population density and volume of calls.
Majority of Cases Involved Weapons or Threats
Weapons-related calls accounted for 41% of the 2024 use of force cases, up from 34% in 2023. Other frequent scenarios included warrant executions (18%) and intimate partner violence (10%). Officers reported using force primarily to protect themselves, protect others, or effect an arrest.
Of the 448 individuals involved, police believed 82% had access to a weapon. In 160 cases, officers suspected the presence of a handgun.
One Fatality Reported in 2024
The report confirmed one fatal use of force incident in 2024. A London man was fatally shot by officers after allegedly stabbing and killing his girlfriend. This was the only case of lethal force resulting in death for the year.
London Police to Expand Taser Program Further
Police leadership says the force will continue expanding CEW training and equipment. Officials argue that broader access to Tasers allows officers to resolve high-risk situations with fewer injuries and greater compliance.
Deputy Chief MacSween concluded that increased reporting does not necessarily reflect greater violence, but rather improved transparency and safer tactics.
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