Can law enforcement officers use less-lethal munitions during an arrest?

The use of less-lethal munitions during an arrest can be justified if officers are using them in good faith, aiming to minimize risk to both officers and subjects while still enforcing the law. Good faith refers to the officers’ belief that their actions are necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, which tends to be a critical consideration in the use of force policies.

Less-lethal munitions are designed to incapacitate a subject without causing permanent injury, making them a valuable tool in situations where the use of lethal force is not warranted. This aligns with modern policing practices that emphasize de-escalation and the preservation of life whenever possible. The application of these munitions is typically guided by departmental policies, legal standards, and training protocols to ensure they are deployed appropriately and ethically.

Using less-lethal munitions is considered a tactical option in pursuing compliance and controlling potentially dangerous situations while still adhering to the principles of proportionality and necessity in law enforcement actions.