What is the standard for use of force?

• A. The force used must be equal to the suspect's perceived threat.
• B. The force used must be limited to verbal commands.
• C. The force used must be objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances to achieve a legitimate objective and ensure safety.
• D. The force must never be used.

Answer: (C)

The standard being tested is that any force used must be objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances to achieve a legitimate objective and ensure safety. This means judging the action from the perspective of a reasonable officer who would be in a similar situation, with what they knew at the moment. Consider how serious the alleged crime is, whether there is an immediate threat to the officer or others, whether the subject is resisting or attempting to flee, and what less-forceful options are available. The force used should be proportional to the threat and not more than necessary to achieve the objective, such as to gain control, protect lives, or effect an arrest. Verbal commands and other de-escalation options should be used when feasible, but if the risk is imminent, appropriate force may be justified as long as it remains reasonable. This standard isn’t about matching the suspect’s threat perfectly or about never using force; it’s about what a reasonable officer would do in the circumstances to accomplish a legitimate objective and keep people safe.