Which legal precedent governs the use of force by police?

The governing legal precedent for the use of force by police is established in Graham v. Connor. This landmark Supreme Court case set forth the "objective reasonableness" standard for determining whether the use of force by law enforcement is justified under the Fourth Amendment. Specifically, the Court emphasized that the reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight. This standard takes into account the circumstances confronting an officer at the time, such as the immediate threat to safety posed by a suspect and the need for officers to make split-second decisions in tense situations.

Understanding this precedent is crucial for law enforcement officers as it shapes not only their training in the appropriate use of force but also the legal framework within which they operate. It is a guiding principle that seeks to balance the need for police to protect themselves and the public against the rights of individuals not to be subjected to excessive force.