What is the legal standard for police use of force?

The legal standard for police use of force is that it must be reasonable and necessary. This principle is rooted in both constitutional law and case law, which dictate that officers are allowed to use force to carry out their duties but must do so within limits that are deemed appropriate for the situation at hand.

Reasonableness is a key factor that takes into account the circumstances surrounding the officer's actions, including the severity of the crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others, and whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade.

By requiring that the use of force be necessary, the legal standard ensures that officers do not use more force than is absolutely needed to achieve a legitimate law enforcement purpose. This standard helps to protect both the rights of individuals while ensuring that officers can effectively perform their duties when faced with potentially dangerous situations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the appropriate legal standard. For instance, stating that force must be excessive contradicts the principle of proportionality in use of force. Requiring approval from a supervisor prior to using force is not a legal requirement but could be part of departmental policy. Lastly, while documentation is important for accountability and review, it is not a legal standard for the