Sarnia police uniform logos. Photo courtesy Sarnia Police Service.Sarnia police uniform logos. Photo courtesy Sarnia Police Service.
Sarnia

Use of force by Sarnia police steady year over year

The majority of calls handled by the Sarnia Police Service last year were done so without the use of force.

According to a report presented to the Sarnia Police Service Board late last month, 99.8 per cent of the calls in 2024 did not involve any use of force, which is described as the use of a weapon on an individual.

Weapons can range from pepper spray, firearms, ASP batons, or a taser.

Additionally, if an officer is in a physical confrontation with someone, that would also be considered a use of force.

The report said out of 34,577 calls for service, there were only 67 use of force incidents, about 0.19 per cent.

Deputy Chief Michael Van Sickle said officers are selective on when to use force.

"The officers are making great decisions and using the appropriate amount of force when required" he said.

Van Sickle referenced an incident in August 2024, in which a officer was stabbed while responding to a call of a man in distress.

"It is real to Sarnia that we're dealing with people that would require the highest level of force to be used against them to bring it to a safe resolution," said Van Sickle.

The amount of force used in 2024 was similar to 2023.

"Certainly we're talking about double digit encounters, so it was 67 this year, there would be double digits as well last year," Van Sickle said.

In 2024, there were no Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigations because of use of force.

There were also only two use of force incidents that resulted in injuries.

The report said the injuries did not require the SIU mandate to be invoked because they were treated by medical staff and released without further care, attention or monitoring.

Van Sickle said the de-escalation technique is ultimately up to the officer.

"There is no cut and dry for when you can or can't use the force, it's all based on the officers decisions at the time, but they are held accountable for the decisions for they make," he said.

After an officer uses force on a call, they will be evaluated on their decision.

Van Sickle said to prevent use of force, officers receive training by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The programs are also continuously assessed and refined.

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