About 250 more instances of police using force on a young person aged up to 17 were recorded last year when compared to the previous year, data has revealed. 

Suffolk police data shows use of force, which covers a variety of police tactics including unarmed defence tactics, handcuffing and drawing or using a taser, was recorded in the case of 690 young people aged between zero and 17 in 2022/23. 

This made up for about 11% of the 6,190 total use of force incidents recorded by the constabulary during all four quarters of the year, the highest proportion of which was amongst 18 to 34 year olds at 3,082 (49%). 

Across all four quarters of 2021/22, force was used against 434 zero to 17 year olds in Suffolk, meaning numbers increased year-on-year by 256. 

Use of force recording practices changed in mid-January 2023 when a new system was brought in and, as a result, the constabulary has said potential increases in numbers at the end of 2022/23 may be attributable to more accurate reporting, rather than an increase in use of force by officers.

In Norfolk, 1,013 young people aged zero to 17 experienced use of force during 2022/23, while the previous year saw 682 cases. 

A Suffolk police spokesman said: "Suffolk officers have hundreds of interactions with the public across the county daily and in the vast majority of these force is very seldom used.

"Police are however often confronted with difficult and demanding situations, and are trained to use force proportionally, lawfully and only when necessary, to maintain order and keep people, including themselves, safe from harm.

“Use of force recording includes a wide range of methods available to officers, including handcuffing and restraint in situations ranging from detention and transportation of individuals to a police station to prevention of immediate harm and the drawing or using a Conductive Energy Device (CED or Taser). This data contextualises how police use force, and the tactics available to officers.

“Most commonly, officers only use force to protect themselves or others from attack, which has been an increasing concern for police chiefs as assaults against officers have increased.

“This data provides a very clear and transparent overview of how recording of use of force breaks down.

"Nationally, senior officers are committed to improving recording methods, which is reflected in the overall figures rising in recent years. 

"In providing the best possible service to the public, we will use the data to shape future decisions about training and equipment," they added. 

Ipswich Star: Police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore Police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore (Image: Newsquest)

Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore said: "Public protection, and effective use of police powers, remains a top priority for Suffolk Constabulary.

"Legitimate police powers are only used when appropriate and necessary and their use is monitored throughout the year independently and by our office.

"The force reports regularly to my Accountability and Performance Panel on its use of force data, and this is a public meeting.

"Part of my role as PCC is to hold the force to account which I personally take very seriously," he added.