What is an essential requirement for an officer before using non-deadly force?

For an officer to use non-deadly force, it is essential that they believe it is necessary to prevent harm. This belief often revolves around the need to protect themselves, other officers, bystanders, or the suspect from imminent threats of physical harm. The principle behind this requirement is grounded in defense and public safety; officers are trained to assess situations rapidly and respond accordingly to manage risks effectively and uphold safety.

The requirement emphasizes the importance of a reasonable belief based on the circumstances at hand. This allows for some level of subjective judgment while ensuring that the response is justifiable under the circumstances. The goal is to ensure that any use of force is necessary, proportional, and aimed at resolving a potentially dangerous situation without escalating it unnecessarily.

While other options may involve protocols that could be in place in certain situations, they do not fundamentally capture the essence of when and why an officer is justified in using non-deadly force.