In what situations might an officer choose to use physical force?

An officer may choose to use physical force when a suspect poses an immediate threat. This means that if the suspect is behaving in a way that could cause harm to the officer, themselves, or others, the use of force can be justified as a necessary means of ensuring safety. In situations where an immediate threat is present, officers must evaluate the level of risk and respond accordingly to protect everyone involved. The use of physical force in this context is rooted in the need to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation and to gain control, thereby minimizing the risk of injury or harm.

In this scenario, the options that suggest using force when a suspect is compliant, when an officer is feeling stressed, or when no other officers are present do not align with the principles of appropriate use of force. Compliance does not warrant the need for force, stress should be managed through appropriate channels, and the presence or absence of other officers does not inherently justify the use of force. The determination to use physical force should always be based on the specific circumstances that present an immediate risk.