When is the use of non-deadly force by law enforcement officers justified?

The justification for the use of non-deadly force by law enforcement officers is grounded in the principle that it should be assessed based on the totality of the circumstances. This approach takes into consideration all the factors present in a situation, including the level of threat posed by a suspect, the nature of the crime, the behavior of the suspect, and any other relevant contextual information.

Using the totality of the circumstances as a standard allows officers to make informed decisions that are appropriate to the specific situation they encounter. It recognizes that each incident is unique and requires careful analysis to balance the need for officer safety and the apprehension of suspects against the rights of individuals. This principle guides officers to assess not just their personal feelings of threat but also the overall context in which they find themselves.

Other options reflect limitations that may not apply universally to every situation that law enforcement might encounter. For instance, relying solely on personal feelings of threat could lead to subjective and potentially excessive use of force. Similarly, suggesting force should only be used after verbal commands may not take into account situations where immediate action is necessary for officer safety or public safety. Therefore, the most justifiable and accepted standard is the assessment of the totality of the circumstances.