In making an arrest or preventing escape, which statement best describes the use of force?

In making an arrest or preventing escape, which statement best describes the use of force?

• A. The force may be used to effect the arrest
• B. All of the above
• C. The force may be used to protect yourself during an arrest
• D. The force may be used to prevent escape

Answer: (B)

Use of force in an arrest is guided by reasonableness and necessity. In these situations, force may be used to effect the arrest, to protect yourself during the arrest, and to prevent the suspect from escaping. Each of these is a legitimate objective if the force used is necessary and proportional to the threat or resistance faced. Because all three valid purposes can apply, the option that includes all of them is the best answer. The key idea is that officers must use the minimum amount of force required to achieve the objective and must judge, in real time, what level of force is reasonable given the circumstances.