When might an officer consider using a higher level of force?

Using a higher level of force is primarily justified when the current level of force is deemed ineffective in achieving compliance or controlling a situation. If an officer finds that their initial attempts to manage a situation—whether through verbal commands or lower levels of physical restraint—are not yielding the necessary results, escalating the level of force becomes a necessary consideration to ensure the safety of all involved. Assessing the effectiveness of the response is key; if it becomes clear that a higher level of force is the only means to gain control or prevent harm, it is essential to act decisively.

Other situations, such as feeling threatened or the presence of a crowd, may influence an officer’s decision-making but do not alone warrant the immediate use of higher force. Similarly, time constraints could add pressure to the situation, but that does not inherently justify escalating force unless the current actions are ineffective. The cornerstone of using force is rooted in its necessity and proportionality to manage the situation effectively.