What is defined as the force that an officer reasonably believes is necessary?

The concept of reasonable force refers to the amount of force that a law enforcement officer believes is necessary under the circumstances to accomplish a lawful purpose, such as making an arrest or protecting themselves or others. This determination typically considers the specifics of the situation, including the level of threat posed by the individual involved and the officer's training and experience.

Reasonable force is assessed based on what a typical officer would deem appropriate, taking into account factors such as the nature of the offense, the behavior of the suspect, and potential risks to officers or the public. It is meant to ensure that officers do not use more force than necessary to manage a situation, aiming for a balanced approach that upholds the law while respecting the rights and dignity of individuals.

In contrast, terms like excessive force or unnecessary force imply that too much force is being used in a situation where it is not warranted, while minimum force does not adequately capture the flexibility required when responding to various scenarios encountered by correctional officers. The goal is always to use force that is deemed reasonable in response to the particular circumstances, maintaining safety and security without crossing the line into the inappropriate use of force.