February 23, 2026
Dear Yale Community,
Yale Public Safety has released the Yale Police Department’s 2025 Annual Use of Force Report to keep our community informed about the circumstances in which Yale police officers used force during the past year.
Federal and Connecticut law require that officers use only the amount of force that is necessary and reasonable to accomplish lawful objectives, control a situation, effect an arrest, overcome resistance, or protect themselves or others from harm. The Yale Police Department remains committed to applying these standards with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the rights and dignity of every person we serve.
In 2025, Yale police officers documented 2,701 interactions with the community, which resulted in 203 arrests. Of those encounters, 18 involved a reportable use of force, representing less than 1% of all documented interactions. A total of 27 officers were involved in the use of force incidents.
Consistent with prior years, most uses of force involved soft-hand control techniques and takedowns used to safely gain compliance from individuals who were actively resisting arrest. Officers did not use strikes, OC spray deployments, or electronic control weapon deployments during 2025. The number of use-of-force incidents declined from 24 in 2024 to 18 in 2025. Injuries also decreased. Four officers and four subjects received minor injuries, mostly small abrasions or bruising related to the struggle rather than the force technique itself.
Multiple levels of supervision from the shift supervisor through the Chief’s Office review every use of force incident to ensure compliance with policy and law. In 2025, the department determined that all reported uses of force were within department policy. These reviews, along with ongoing scenario-based training, de-escalation instruction, and supervisory oversight, help us continually refine our practices and minimize the need for force whenever possible.
We recognize the trust placed in us by the Yale community. Our goal remains to resolve encounters safely, professionally, and with the least amount of force necessary while protecting both the public and our officers.
If you have questions about the report or would like additional information, please contact my office at 203-432-4400.
Respectfully,
John Healy
Yale Police Department
Assistant Chief of Police