What are the legal standards governing the use of force by police officers?

The legal standards governing the use of force by police officers are centered around the concepts of reasonableness, necessity, and proportionality.

Reasonableness refers to the standard of how an officer’s actions are measured against what a reasonable officer would have done in similar circumstances. This assessment takes into account the totality of the circumstances at the time of the incident, allowing for a consideration of immediate threats to the officer or others.

Necessity signifies that force should only be used when absolutely required to achieve a lawful purpose, such as ensuring safety or making an arrest. This principle underscores that the use of force must be justified by an urgent need to prevent harm or to ensure compliance with the law.

Proportionality requires that the level of force used must be appropriate to the threat posed. This means that officers should use only the amount of force necessary to subdue a suspect or manage a situation, aligning the force with the seriousness of the offense or resistance.

These three elements are integral in guiding officers on how to appropriately respond in situations where force may be necessary, ensuring that their actions are legally defensible and aligned with the principles of public safety and individual rights.