Use of force stats reveal a troubling history of Toronto cops shooting first and answering questions later when it comes to encounters with people in crisis.
13 seconds
The lapsed time between Yatim standing from his seat at the front of the streetcar to approach police, and his death.
9 rounds
Shots fired by police – three shots at first, a pause, then six more. After the ninth shot, eyewitnesses say a taser was used on Yatim.
Use of force
“Police officers shall not discharge their firearms except to protect themselves or another person from imminent death or serious bodily injury,” according to use of force guidelines tabled by Toronto police in 1998 after four deadly-force incidents the previous year, including the death of mental health patient Edmond Yu.
6.4%
Increase in use of force incidents reported by police between 2011 and 2012.
240
Number of people requiring medical attention for injuries after encounters with police in 2012.
Officer protection
The number-one reason cited by Toronto police for firing their weapons, in more than 51 per cent of cases tallied.
10.6 metres
Maximum distance, about the length of a streetcar, from which a target can be subdued by an X26, the taser used by Toronto police.
Short on less lethal options
In 2012, tasers were fired 92 times by Toronto police. Handguns were discharged 23 times. But only uniformed front-line supervisors, members of the emergency task force or supervisors in high-risk units are qualified to carry tasers.
