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.

See the data link – Use of Force by Incidents.

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.

See the data link – Use of Force by Shift.

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.

See the data link – Use of Force by Division.

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.

See the data link – Use of Force by Service Types.

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.

See the data link – Control Options.

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.

See the data link – Reasons for Use of Force.