What is considered "excessive force" in law enforcement?

Excessive force in law enforcement refers specifically to the scenario where an officer uses more physical force than is necessary to subdue a suspect or to handle a situation appropriately. This concept is critical in evaluating the legality and appropriateness of law enforcement actions, as it balances the need to maintain public safety with the rights of individuals.

The definition of excessive force hinges on the idea of proportionality; officers are trained to use only the force that is necessary to respond to a given circumstance. For instance, if a suspect is passively resisting arrest, using a higher level of force, such as physical strikes or a taser, would be considered excessive because it does not match the level of threat posed by the suspect's actions.

This understanding underscores the importance of context in each situation law enforcement officers face. It is not merely about the use of force, but about ensuring that the response is appropriate to the level of resistance encountered. The use of force continuum—in which officers are trained to escalate or de-escalate their response based on the behavior of the suspect—illustrates this principle in practice.