In what scenario can non-deadly force become justifiable?

Non-deadly force can become justifiable in the context of making a lawful arrest attempt because the use of such force is often necessary to safely and effectively detain an individual who is suspected of a crime. When law enforcement officers are confronted with resistance during an arrest, they may need to apply non-deadly force to gain control of the situation and ensure the safety of themselves, the suspect, and bystanders. This aligns with the principles of using force, which emphasize the need to use only the level of force necessary to overcome resistance and accomplish lawful objectives.

In contrast, other scenarios do not provide the same level of justification for using non-deadly force. For instance, simply documenting a verbal warning does not necessitate the use of force, nor does the use of non-deadly force apply universally to all encounters with suspects, as many interactions may not warrant any force at all. Additionally, while non-deadly force may be necessary in response to suspect resistance, it is specifically the lawful nature of the arrest attempt that underpins the justification for using that force.