The number of Chatham-Kent police officers investigated for various incidents last year decreased.
Police said 58 public complaint investigations were triggered by the Chief, which is nine fewer than 2021. An annual police report showed seven were for neglect of duty and five were for discreditable conduct. By comparison, in 2021 there were three for neglect of duty and 13 for discreditable conduct. Twelve of the investigations resulted in disciplinary hearings, while others either resulted in internal discipline, counseling, admonishment, remedial training, policy changes, or no action.
The number of public complaints against Chatham-Kent police also dropped significantly in 2022.
The annual police report also showed only 15 complaints were investigated by the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) for conduct compared to 33 the previous year.
Police noted 10 of them were refused by the OIPRD, an independent civilian oversight agency that handles public complaints regarding police conduct in Ontario. Two of them were withdrawn at the request of the complainant, one was unsubstantiated, one misconduct was deemed minor and was mutually resolved, and one continues, according to Chatham-Kent police.
Chatham-Kent police has 164 officers.
Meantime, incidents requiring use of force by Chatham-Kent police increased last year, according to the annual report. Police reported 66 incidents in 2022 compared to 60 the previous year.
Police said no firearms were discharged to protect an officer, but firearms were drawn 33 times during an arrest, the same as 2021.
Authorities also noted firearms were drawn 14 times to destroy an animal compared to 11 in 2021. Police said eight deer, five raccoons, and one coyote had to be put down by officers last year.
Pepper spray was used twice and tasers were used 13 times, which is an increase of one in each category.
The police service also recognized several officers and civilian members last year with commendations and letters of recognition. Police noted there were two Police Services Board Citations, 30 Chief Commendations, and 15 Deputy Chief Letters of Recognition awarded.
