Under what circumstances can officers use force?

The appropriate use of force by officers is primarily justified under the necessity to gain control of a situation and prevent an individual from escaping. This context is crucial in law enforcement, as officers may encounter situations where individuals pose a threat to themselves or others, or where there is a risk of escape from custody.

When officers are faced with resisting individuals or those who might flee, using reasonable force can ensure that they can safely apprehend and control the situation. Force in this context is not arbitrary; it must be proportionate and reasonable, aimed at achieving a necessary objective, such as maintaining safety and order.

Other scenarios, such as issuing citations or maintaining order through discipline, do not directly necessitate the use of force but rather rely on procedures and authority to manage situations. Similarly, while officers can require compliance with verbal commands, there are specific circumstances under which they can escalate to physical force, which typically occurs only when their verbal directives have been ignored and a response is essential for safety or control.