While probes on wires can be launched to stun people from a distance, the probes can also be energized without launching to stun people in close quarters. This is officially referred to as a drive strike.

Local police drew stun guns 13 times in 2023, making it “the most common use of force option,” and frequently found drawing alone to be effective.

According to annual data, there were 18 reports that stemmed from eight different events in 2022. But under the new reporting standards, most of those 18 could have been submitted as team reports.

The 13 reports relating to officers drawing or firing firearms in 2023 decreased by five from 2022. And of those 13, four saw firearms discharged for compassionate reasons related to animal dispatch. The remaining nine firearms reports were the result of high-risk incidents throughout the year where police had concerns for public safety.

The total number of reports decreased to 32 in 2023 compared to 39 in 2022, with the biggest change being in the use of conductive energy weapons (CEW), commonly known as stun guns.

Prior to 2023, if multiple officers attending the same call used the same force item, officers were required to file individual reports, but under new standards, officers are now able to submit a team report.

If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively. 

“Having the CEW as a use of force option definitely decreases having to use more physical force or to resort to other options such as the (baton) or (pepper) spray or anything else. It’s a very valuable tool,” Fernandes said in an interview after the meeting.

A use of force report must be completed by any service member who draws or discharges a firearm in public or who uses physical force on a person resulting in an injury requiring medical attention.

In a press release issued Wednesday, DA George Gascón writes, "Experienced prosecutors from our office's Sex Crimes Division are carefully reviewing new leads and additional evidence that continue to come to our attention from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's investigation."

The annual report shows 2023 is the fifth consecutive year where the number of incidents involving less-lethal options outnumbered firearms usage.

Insp. Julio Fernandes presented the service’s annual report on use of force during the Jan. 18 police services board meeting at the South Division station in Bradford.

Warner has denied the allegations and sued Wood for defamation in 2022. In August, Warner filed an appeal in the defamation case after several of the counts in the suit were thrown out.

"New evidence has emerged within the last few weeks, adding to an already extensive case file presented to our office by the LASD," the release continues. "It is our office’s responsibility to ensure that we have a complete picture of the admissible evidence available before making a filing decision."

Warner has also been attempting a music comeback, launching the first Manson tour since the allegations in August. He's also releasing a new Manson record, One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1, on Nov. 22.

Manson, born Brian Warner, was accused of abuse by his ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood in 2021. Several other women also came forward with allegations against Warner, including his former assistant Ashley Walters, actor Esmé Bianco and model Ashley Morgan Smithline, all of whom filed legal action. Walters' suit was dismissed but has since been appealed, while Bianco's was settled. Smithline recanted her allegations.

While the number of reports decreased for the year overall, Fernandes explained those numbers could be misleading as new rules implemented at the beginning of 2023 allowed for broader allowance of team use of force reports.