When is a law enforcement officer justified in using a reasonable degree of non-deadly force?

A law enforcement officer is justified in using a reasonable degree of non-deadly force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to effect an arrest. This principle is grounded in the legal standards regarding the use of force within the scope of an officer's duties.

Non-deadly force may be necessary to ensure compliance from a suspect who is resisting arrest or poses a threat to the officer or others in the immediate vicinity. The focus here is on the reasonableness of the officer's belief and the necessity of the force in the context of the situation they face.

In this scenario, the officer's assessment of the circumstances, including the behavior of the suspect, must align with the standards established in law and departmental policy regarding the use of force. This ensures that officers can take appropriate action to maintain safety and uphold the law, while still adhering to the principles of proportionality and necessity in their response.