The Stafford City Council meeting held on August 6, 2025, focused on critical analyses of police operations, specifically regarding use of force, vehicle pursuits, and accident and injury reports. The discussions aimed to enhance police effectiveness while minimizing risks to both officers and the community.

The meeting commenced with a detailed report on the use of force analysis for 2024. The police department emphasized its commitment to effective policing with minimal adverse impacts on citizens. A mandated reporting policy ensures that any use of force by officers is documented and reviewed through a supervisory chain to maintain compliance with departmental policies and legal standards. In 2024, there were 22 reported uses of force across 16 incidents, marking a decrease from the previous year. This translates to one use of force for every 2,552 citizen contacts, highlighting a significant reduction in necessary force.

The report categorized the types of force used, including balanced displacement, display of firearms, takedowns, and taser deployments. Notably, the department reported successful outcomes in controlling subjects in nearly all instances where force was applied. The meeting also addressed citizen complaints, revealing only one complaint regarding excessive force, which was found to be unfounded after a thorough review.

Following the use of force discussion, the council reviewed vehicle pursuit practices. The police department reported a decrease in pursuits, down to eight from twelve in the previous year. The reasons for these pursuits varied, including ongoing criminal investigations and traffic violations. Supervisors actively monitored pursuits, with some being terminated for safety reasons. A single policy violation was noted during these pursuits, which was addressed appropriately.

Lastly, the council examined accident and injury reports, noting an increase in vehicle accidents involving officers, rising from five to seven. The causes included improper backing and driver inattention. Personal injuries among officers totaled four, with incidents ranging from lacerations to minor injuries sustained during suspect apprehensions.

In conclusion, the Stafford City Council meeting underscored the police department's ongoing efforts to refine practices and enhance safety for both officers and the community. The council plans to continue its training programs focused on de-escalation techniques and pursuit risk assessments to further improve operational effectiveness.