When should an officer consider using physical force during an encounter?

Physical force may be necessary when an officer encounters a situation that poses an immediate danger to themselves or others. This principle emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety in high-risk scenarios, where a lack of decisive action could lead to serious harm or escalation of violence. An officer's primary responsibility is to protect life, and if an action poses a threat to an individual or the public, using physical force may be justified to neutralize that threat effectively.

In such circumstances, the use of physical force becomes a proactive measure, rather than a reactive one, ensuring that the safety of everyone involved is the primary focus. This underlines the critical aspect of situational awareness and risk assessment, allowing officers to make informed decisions about when and how to apply physical force appropriately.