When is the use of force considered justified?

The use of force is considered justified when it is necessary to prevent harm to oneself or others. This principle is grounded in the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding law enforcement. Officers are trained to assess situations where there is an imminent threat to life or safety, requiring them to act in a manner that safeguards themselves or the public.

In situations where a person is faced with immediate danger, the use of force may be necessary to de-escalate a potentially violent interaction or to protect innocent bystanders. Guidelines around this concept emphasize proportionality, meaning that the level of force used should correspond to the severity of the threat faced.

The other options highlight misconceptions or inappropriate bases for justifying force. For instance, acting solely based on an officer's feelings or personal preferences does not align with the established use-of-force protocols, which require objective assessments of danger. Additionally, while departmental policy provides essential guidance on proper conduct and decision-making procedures, justification for force principally rests upon the necessity to mitigate immediate threats rather than merely adhering to policy by itself.