Office of Police Complaints Releases 2024 Use of Force Report

(Washington, DC) - The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) today released its 2024 Use of Force Report to Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Council of the District of Columbia, and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela A. Smith.

In 2024, OPC found there were 2,519 reported uses of force by 1,043 officers, representing a 9% increase compared to 2023. The total number of 1,213 reported use of force incidents reflects a 6% increase from the previous year.

Key findings include:

• 114 officers reported using force five times or more, while 20 officers reported using force 10 times or more.
  
• Black community members accounted for 89% of reported uses of force, compared to 6% for White community members and 2% for Hispanic community members.
  
• Males (80%) and individuals between ages 18-34 (54%) were the subjects most often involved were the subject of reported uses of force.
  
• Firearms were discharged in 15 incidents involving nine people and six dogs, resulting in four human fatalities and six animal fatalities.
  
• The Third, Sixth, and Seventh Districts accounted for 61% of reported uses of force.
  
• Tactical takedowns (40%) and control holds (21%) were the most frequently reported types of force.
  
• To date, MPD has fully implemented nine of OPC's use of force recommendations, partially implemented five and has not implemented four.

"Transparency and accountability remain central to building trust between MPD and the community," said Marke D. Cross, Acting Executive Director of OPC. "This report continues our commitment to ensuring that the public is fully informed about police use of force and to advancing constructive reforms."

For more information or to view the full report, visit www.policecomplaints.dc.gov .