When can police officers use non-deadly force?

Police officers can use non-deadly force when making a lawful arrest as part of their duties. This principle is grounded in the need to ensure that officers are able to effectively carry out their responsibilities to maintain public safety and enforce the law. When an officer is making an arrest based on probable cause, they may encounter resistance or noncompliance from the individual being arrested. In such instances, the use of non-deadly force is deemed appropriate to overcome that resistance and ensure that the arrest is carried out safely and effectively.

The application of non-deadly force must always be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced and the situation at hand. Additionally, police officers must be trained to use such force judiciously, considering the circumstances surrounding the arrest. This standard is aimed at protecting both the rights of the individual being arrested and the safety of the officer and the public.

Other contexts, such as feeling threatened or being in self-defense situations, can involve the use of force but may not specifically qualify as non-deadly, depending on the level of threat perceived and the response required. Traffic stops are a more specific scenario, and not all traffic stops necessarily warrant the use of force.