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A dramatic upswing in the use of force by Edmonton Transit peace officers concerns Alberta’s justice minister.

APostmedia report revealed Tuesday that officers reported 523 use-of-force incidents in 2017 — nearly double 2015’s total and up 118 from 2016. The internal City of Edmonton stats were obtained through a freedom of information request.

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Use of force among peace officers was highest in 2008, when officers reported 629 incidents.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said Tuesday it’s an issue that should be watched.

“The question will always be: Is that use of force reasonable in the particular circumstance?” Ganley told reporters on her way into the legislature.

Changes aren’t on government’s to-do list, but she said it’s an issue of interest to a lot of Albertans.

“I think it’s something that’s always on our radar … because I think all the services are aware and concerned about this issue,” Ganley said.