Use-of-Force Incidents in California

As the most populated state in the country, California is the source of valuable research in all areas—including police overreach, police use of force, and officer-involved shootings. The 2024 statistics were released mid-2025, providing extensive insight into police incidents involving the use of force. While force is sometimes warranted in police interactions, it can often be misused and cause both physical and mental harm to victims. This is where an excessive force attorney can be helpful.

At the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, we are committed to helping those who have suffered due to police overreach. Attorney Dale K. Galipo has built a reputation for pushing back against police misconduct,having prevailed in over 100 jury trials, as well as numerous other recognitions as a legal powerhouse. Find out how our excessive force law firm can help you as you navigate your next steps. Call us at 818-347-3333 to get started.

Understanding Current Data

Per California law, law enforcement agencies must report serious use-of-force incidents that result in serious bodily injury, death, or the discharge of a firearm. It’s important to recognize that the data provided by law enforcement agencies only covers those incidents that fit into this narrow definition, so while this data is definitely useful, it does not paint a full picture of use-of-force incidents in California. There are likely many cases that are considered too minor to fit into this category. However, the data gathered by these reports can be useful for civilians, excessive force lawyers, and police departments.

Important Statistics

Per the 2024 report, there were 581 use-of-force incidents in California that resulted in death, serious bodily injury, or the discharge of a firearm. About 52% of these incidents occurred while police were responding to unlawful or suspicious activity, while 13% happened during routine patrols and over 12% happened during traffic stops. Other interactions resulting in the use of force included warrant service and medical assistance. Roughly 75% of these interactions ended in an arrest.

Demographics and Outcomes

Looking at the demographics involved in use-of-force incidents can highlight potential biases involved in policing. The 581 incidents in 2024 involved 592 civilians, 36% of whom were aged 31-40. The next most common age group is 21-30, followed by 41-50 and 51-60. Those outside these age groups make up a small fraction of civilians involved in use-of-force incidents.

The report also breaks down these interactions by ethnicity and race. Just over 50% of all civilians involved were Hispanic, about 25% were white, and 19% were Black.

There are obviously significant differences between the types of force used, which is why the report provides more context. Of the 592 civilians involved in these use-of-force incidents, nearly 31% experienced serious physical force, while about 25% were subjected specifically to control holds. Overall, 67% of civilians sustained injuries, 13% were not injured, and almost 20% died as a result of these encounters. Notably, only 280 civilians involved in these cases were confirmed to have been armed.

Officers Involved

In 2024,1,215 officers were involved in serious use-of-force incidents. Almost all were male—nearly 46% were white and 40% Hispanic. About 8% of involved officers were Asian and just over 4% were black.

Roughly 30% of all the officers involved in these confrontations did not receive any sort of force from a civilian, while 24% received force during physical contact. Nearly 13% experienced force due to discharge of a firearm. As a result, 20% were injured and 80% were not injured.

Of the 1,215 officers involved, 1,190 reported using force. The most common reason was defending themselves or others, followed by taking suspects into arrest or custody, and overcoming resistance.

Trends and Reforms

While these numbers are somewhat lower than they were in 2023, they are still troubling and indicate a need for reform. California tends to lead the way in these initiatives, but excessive force lawyers still see a shocking amount of abuses of power by police officers. Some departments have already taken significant steps toward reform; the San Francisco Police Department agreed to various reform measures suggested by the Department of Justice, and as of early 2025, they had accomplished nearly 97% of suggested measures.

Injured in a Police Interaction? Contact Our Excessive Force Law Firm Now

If you or someone you love has been injured in a confrontation with police, you can seek justice with the team at the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo. Call our excessive force attorneys at 818-347-3333 or reach out online to discuss your case.