What is Excessive Force?

• A. Objective Reasonableness
• B. Deadly Force
• C. Imminent Threat
• D. Excessive Force

Answer: (D)

Excessive force means using more force than is reasonably necessary to safely resolve a situation or stop a threat. It’s judged by objective reasonableness—would a reasonably trained officer in the same circumstances have used that level of force? The assessment looks at the totality of circumstances: how serious the alleged crime is, how immediate the threat appeared, how the subject resisted, and what alternatives were available. When the force used is more than necessary or is disproportionate to the threat, it is considered excessive and violates policy, law, and training.