What constitutes 'excessive force' in law enforcement?

'Excessive force' in law enforcement refers to actions that go beyond what is reasonable or necessary in a given situation, thereby violating an individual's rights. The concept is rooted in the principle that law enforcement officers are allowed to use force in the performance of their duties, but this force must be proportionate to the circumstances. When the level of force employed is greater than what is deemed necessary to achieve a lawful objective—such as making an arrest or ensuring safety—it crosses the threshold into excessive force. This can lead to significant legal and ethical repercussions for law enforcement agencies and their personnel, as it undermines public trust and can result in civil rights violations.

In contrast, force that is justified under the circumstances or that has been pre-approved by a superior does not constitute excessive force, as both scenarios imply that the level of force used is appropriate to the context. Similarly, force used in self-defense is generally considered permissible if it meets the criteria of necessity and reasonableness, rather than being classified as excessive.