Use of Force & Data

What Does Use of Force Mean?

Mesa police rarely use force. On average, for every six hundred events, just one results in a use of force incident. Reportable use of force includes all instances in which a Department member uses force (i.e. Taser/ electronic control device, strikes, chemical agents, impact weapons, K-9 bites, deadly force) on a subject, excluding verbal commands, handcuffing and control holds. Note: Use of force is considered reportable if there is an injury or suspected injury. See Total Calls for Service.

Governed by Mesa PD policy DPM 2.1.1, Officers shall use only the force that is objectively reasonable to effectively bring an incident under control, while protecting the safety of the officer and others. Officers shall use force only when no reasonably effective alternative appears to exist and shall use only the level of force which a reasonably prudent officer would use under the same or similar circumstances.

The Mesa Police Department requires officers to ensure medical treatment is provided for any injury or complaint of injury arising from the use of force. Prior to booking or releasing, medical assistance is required for any person who has sustained visible injury or expressed a complaint of injury or continuing pain or has been rendered unconscious

With a commitment to fostering a culture of transparency within the organization, the Mesa Police Department is providing an easily accessible portal open to the public. This portal will provide information to processes and data dashboards regarding agency operations and accountability. Maintaining trust and support are essential to good community policing strategies with the city we protect and serve.   

Use of Force By Incidents

The number of reportable use of force incidents by time frame. These incidents are circumstances in which a member uses some type of control option on a subject during the course of their official duties. In these cases a member, per departmental policy and state law, can use control options to take the subject into custody and/or prevent harm to themselves or other citizens. Every time a member uses any type of control option outside of verbal commands, handcuffing and control holds is a reportable use of force incident that is tracked by the department. The department also reviews use of force incidents looking for trends. If a trend is discovered, the department will investigate into the reason for the trend.

Use of Force by Incidents

 

Use of Force by Shift

The number of reportable use of force incidents by shift/timeframe. There are three scheduled shifts; day shift, swing shift and graveyard shift. The department also tracks use of force incidents per shift looking for trends. If a trend is discovered, the department will investigate into the reason for the trend.

Use of Force by Shift

 

Use of Force by Division

Geographic patrol district boundaries where the force occurred. The Mesa Police Department currently has four patrol districts in the City of Mesa. Use of force statistics are broken down into each patrol district to compare use of force applications amongst the patrol districts. Many of our Special Operations Units operate out of the city limits and account for the “Other Total UOF” category. Special Operations include units like SWAT, Gangs, and the Violent Offender Unit. If a trend is discovered, the department will investigate into the reason for the trend.

 Use of Force by Division

Use of Force Service Types

The Mesa Police Department responds to hundreds of thousands of calls for service each year. Calls for service include 9-1-1 calls, non-emergency calls for service, and when officers intervene when they observe (on-view) criminal activity or traffic violations.

Use of Force by Service Types

Control Options

Mesa Police Department members use a variety of methods and tools to do the least amount of harm while keeping people safe—including the people they arrest. Members may use several control options in one incident and/or multiple members could be involved in the same incident.

Control Options

Reasons for Use of Force

A vast majority of use of force incidents occur during an arrest/detention situation. The Mesa Police Department personnel may use force in situations that include arrest or detention, defense (self or others), and escape prevention.

Reasons for Use of Force

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