How is the use of excessive force defined in police encounters?

The use of excessive force in police encounters is defined as employing more force than necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement objective. This definition recognizes that law enforcement officers are permitted to use force when it is reasonable and proportional to the circumstances they face. However, when an officer escalates their level of force beyond what is needed to effectively manage a situation or to ensure compliance, it becomes excessive.

This concept is rooted in the principle of proportionality, where an officer's response must align with the level of threat or resistance encountered. For example, if an officer is trying to arrest a suspect who is passively resisting, using physical restraint techniques or non-lethal methods would be appropriate. However, if the officer were to escalate to using more aggressive tactics than what the situation warrants, that would constitute excessive force.

Understanding this definition is crucial for police officers as it impacts their training, decision-making, and accountability in the field, ensuring that their actions comply with legal and ethical standards of policing.