What principle guides police officers' conduct related to the use of force?

The principle that guides police officers' conduct related to the use of force is necessity. This principle dictates that the use of force must be justified by the need to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective. When officers assess a situation, they must determine if the use of force is warranted based on the circumstances they are facing. The necessity standard requires officers to consider whether there are alternatives to using force and to only employ it if it is essential to protect themselves or others and to enforce the law effectively.

This principle emphasizes that the use of force should always be a last resort and should be proportionate to the threat or resistance faced. By adhering to the necessity principle, officers are trained to prioritize de-escalation and other non-forceful methods whenever possible before opting for more forceful means. It ensures that any action taken is both reasonable and essential under the given circumstances, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding the law.