FOI 700/25

REQUEST

Please can you tell me how many times the following methods of force were deployed by this force against people aged 65+, disaggregating the data by exact age and by the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.

CED/Taser
Firearms
Spit and bite guard
Irritant spray - including PAVA and CS 
AEP
Baton
Dog bite

Ideally the information will be provided in a spreadsheet for each year with the first column being the type of force and the following columns being the ages of those affected. Please let me know if you need clarification/ an illustration of what I require.

RESPONSE

We have consulted with our analysts who have provided the information to answer your request.

Please be advised, we’re unable to provide figures prior to May 2023 as the data is only available after this date.

In addition, any Use of Force tactics applied by police officers in the execution of their duties are covered under the principles of Common Law which allows individuals to use reasonable force in self-defence, to prevent crime or to conduct a lawful arrest. Use of Force is also governed under legislation relating to S.3 Criminal Law Act 1967 that allows for individuals to use reasonable force in specific situations.

All use of force activity undertaken by officers within South Wales Police is subject to stringent governance and oversight with a Use of Police Powers Board chaired at Assistance Chief Constable level. In addition, we also have robust local governance frameworks in place at a local level to assess activity and satisfy the justified, proportionate, legal, accountable and necessary application of force.

Specifically, in respect to taser, every incident in which a taser is deployed, whether it is fired or not is recorded by South Wales Police, and a report is sent to the Home Office for collation. The data provides information as to taser’s operational effectiveness, its medical implications, and makes transparent the levels and types of use by the police.   

Use of taser does not necessarily indicate that it has been fired and the recording of use could indicate a number of proportionate tactical options, ranging from removal from the holster to angled stun drive.

Please see below for uses of taser:

• Drawn:Removed from holster. 
• Aimed:Pointed at subject. 
• Red Dot:Pointed at subject with red dot laser sight active so that red dot appears on subject. 
• Arced: No cartridge attached. Taser switched on and trigger squeezed in order that electric current arcs between contacts on front of taser. 
• Fired:Cartridge attached. Taser switched on and trigger squeezed causing cartridge to fire. 
• Drive Stun:No cartridge attached. Front of taser placed against subject and arced. 
• Angled drive stun:Cartridge on. After an ineffective firing (barb placements too close together or failure of one barb to attach), front of taser placed on subject away from the barbs and taser activated.