What does a 'reasonable force' standard require?

What does a 'reasonable force' standard require?

• A. Force should be the maximum allowed under any circumstance.
• B. Force used must be proportional to the threat and necessary to achieve a legitimate objective.
• C. Force is never allowed.
• D. Force should be used only if there is video evidence.

Answer: (B)

Reasonable force means you use only as much force as is necessary to counter the threat and to achieve a legitimate objective, and that amount must be proportionate to the danger you face. The assessment is made in the moment, taking into account factors like how severe the threat is, whether safer options exist, whether you can escape, and the risk to bystanders. Force should escalate or de-escalate to match the situation and you should stop once the threat is neutralized or the objective is secured. This is not about always using the maximum force, and you don’t need video evidence to justify your actions. Force can be used when necessary to prevent harm, but only to the extent that is reasonable. In short, force used must be proportional to the threat and necessary to achieve a legitimate objective.

Reasonable force means you use only as much force as is necessary to counter the threat and to achieve a legitimate objective, and that amount must be proportionate to the danger you face. The assessment is made in the moment, taking into account factors like how severe the threat is, whether safer options exist, whether you can escape, and the risk to bystanders. Force should escalate or de-escalate to match the situation and you should stop once the threat is neutralized or the objective is secured. This is not about always using the maximum force, and you don’t need video evidence to justify your actions. Force can be used when necessary to prevent harm, but only to the extent that is reasonable. In short, force used must be proportional to the threat and necessary to achieve a legitimate objective.