Police use of lethal force almost always receives the most public attention, particularly in Austin, where several shootings over the past decade have sparked outcry among residents and special interest groups and calls for outside review from federal agencies.

But such incidents are rare. While police use of stun guns is up 80 percent since 2009, officers' use of batons, pepper spray and dogs have remained relatively steady. Together, the weapons are used in about one-third of all force incidents.