In what scenarios is physical restraint typically justified?

Physical restraint is typically justified in scenarios where a suspect is actively resisting arrest or poses an immediate threat to the safety of law enforcement officers or others. This is because the primary goal of law enforcement during an arrest is to ensure the safety of all parties involved while effectively apprehending the suspect.

When a suspect is actively resisting, it indicates an unwillingness to comply with lawful orders, which can escalate the situation and increase the risk of harm. Furthermore, if the suspect poses an immediate threat—whether due to violent behavior, attempts to flee, or access to weapons—using physical restraint becomes necessary to prevent potential injury to the officers, the suspect, or bystanders.

The other scenarios do not justify the use of physical restraint. For example, if a suspect is compliant or displaying non-threatening behavior, utilizing physical restraint would be inappropriate and could lead to unnecessary harm. Effective communication and de-escalation techniques should be prioritized in those situations to resolve the encounter peacefully.