What best distinguishes reasonable force from excessive force?

• A. Reasonable force means any use of force to secure compliance, regardless of proportionality.
• B. Excessive force is force that is necessary to protect safety.
• C. Reasonable force is proportional and necessary; excessive force exceeds what is necessary and violates policy and law.
• D. Reasonable force is only verbal commands.

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing reasonable from excessive force centers on proportionality and necessity. Reasonable force is the amount of force needed to safely gain control or protect yourself or others, judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer under the circumstances. It must be proportional to the threat and limited to what is necessary to achieve a legitimate objective. If the threat is neutralized or remains minimal, using more force would be excessive and violates policy and the law. Verbal commands and de-escalation should be used whenever possible, and force should only escalate to the level needed to address the situation. This is why the statement that reasonable force is proportional and necessary, while excessive force exceeds what’s necessary and violates policy and law, is the best description.