When can a law enforcement officer use force during an arrest?

A law enforcement officer is permitted to use force during an arrest primarily when the suspect resists arrest. This is based on the principle that the use of force must be proportional to the situation at hand. When a suspect actively resists an officer's attempts to apprehend them, the use of force becomes necessary to control the situation and ensure the officer's and the public's safety.

The application of force should always be a last resort after verbal commands and de-escalation tactics have been attempted. This principle supports the importance of using minimal force necessary to achieve compliance and ensures that the rights of individuals are respected during the arrest process.

In scenarios where a suspect is not resisting, using force would be inappropriate and could lead to excessive force claims or violations of civil rights. Therefore, the context of resisting arrest is crucial in determining the appropriate level of force an officer may utilize.