What must an officer demonstrate before using nondeadly force options?

To use nondeadly force options, an officer must demonstrate objective reasonableness. This principle requires that the officer's actions are justified based on the circumstances they are facing at the time. The concept of objective reasonableness is derived from legal standards that assess whether an officer's response to a situation aligns with what a reasonable officer would do under similar conditions. It takes into account the facts known to the officer at the moment, allowing for their training and experience.

This standard ensures that the use of force is appropriate, necessary, and proportionate to the threat encountered. Factors such as the severity of the situation, the immediacy of the threat, and the nature of the suspect's actions all contribute to what can be deemed reasonable in the moment. Recognizing this, officers are trained to assess these variables critically before deciding to employ nondeadly force, ultimately aiming to act in a way that is defensible in both legal and ethical contexts.