What do the guiding principles of Coast Guard policy state regarding the use of force?

The guiding principles of Coast Guard policy emphasize that force must be proportional to the threat faced. This principle reflects a careful consideration of the situation at hand, ensuring that the level of force used is appropriate to the degree of threat or resistance encountered. This means that if a situation presents minimal threat, only minimal force should be applied, while a more severe threat may necessitate a greater level of force.

The rationale behind this principle is to uphold the values of safety, restraint, and respect for individuals' rights, while still allowing officers to respond effectively to genuine threats. It helps ensure that actions taken are justifiable and align with both legal standards and ethical considerations, emphasizing a measured response in enforcement scenarios.

In this context, avoiding or overemphasizing the use of force can lead to ineffective law enforcement or unnecessary harm, hence the importance of assessing the threat level and applying appropriate force in response.