What does "use of force" refer to in policing?

"Use of force" in policing refers to the amount of effort required by law enforcement officers to compel compliance from an individual. This concept encompasses a range of actions, from simply asking someone to comply to the use of physical force or the deployment of weapons when necessary to ensure safety and maintain order.

Understanding "use of force" is crucial because it involves assessing the situation and determining the appropriate level of response required by officers, which may change depending on factors such as the threat level, resistance of the individual, and the environment. The emphasis on effort highlights that force should ideally be a last resort when other non-violent means of communication and compliance have failed.

Other options, while related to policing, do not encapsulate the full scope of "use of force." Legal justifications for arrests and rules surrounding lethal weapon usage are specific legal frameworks, whereas justification for pursuing suspects pertains to actions taken in the context of potential criminal behavior, not the effort exerted to compel compliance from individuals.