Under what circumstance may an officer use force?

An officer may use force under circumstances that include both self-defense and the protection of others, as well as to affect an arrest. In law enforcement, the use of force is governed by the principle of necessity, meaning any force applied must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat posed.

When an officer is faced with a situation where their safety, or the safety of another person, is at risk, they are justified in using an appropriate level of force to neutralize that threat. This includes situations where an officer must defend themselves if they are attacked or threatened, as well as scenarios where they need to protect innocent bystanders or victims from harm.

Additionally, the use of force is often necessary to lawfully make an arrest when an individual is actively resisting or fleeing, as long as the level of force is reasonable and commensurate with the threat or resistance posed.

Understanding these principles helps ensure that officers act within the legal framework set by law enforcement standards, while also emphasizing the importance of using force judiciously and responsibly to maintain public safety.