Police use less force

Waterloo Regional Police use of force reports dropped by 28 per cent last year.

Over 200 such reports were filed last year, compared to 306 in 2008.

Officers with the force drew their weapons 173 times.

A gun was fired once at an armed suspect who was not injured and later arrested.

Pepper spray was used 16 times, and stun guns were used 18 times.

Meantime, complaints against officers were up slightly in 2009 with 100 being filed, compared to 95 the year before.

Police Services Board Chair Tom Galloway tells 570 News the majority of grievances filed were for discreditable conduct.

He says most complaints are resolved informally with an apology, letter of explanation, or a meeting between the two parties.