How is "reasonable force" defined in use-of-force policies?

• A. Force must be proportionate to the threat and necessary to achieve a lawful objective; excessive force is unlawful.
• B. Force may be used for any reason
• C. Force is always prohibited
• D. Force is determined by the officer's mood

Answer: (A)

Reasonable force means using only the amount of force needed to safely control a situation and achieve a lawful objective. It’s about proportionality and necessity: the force used should match the level of threat, resistance, and risk at the moment, not exceed what is needed to stop the threat or to complete the arrest. Courts evaluate this with objective reasonableness, looking at what a reasonable officer would do under the totality of circumstances, including the suspect’s actions, the danger to others, and the available alternatives (verbal commands, de-escalation, less-lethal tools, etc.). If the threat ends or the suspect complies, the use of force should stop. Excessive force—any amount beyond what is necessary to neutralize the threat or achieve the lawful objective—is unlawful.