How is "excessive force" defined?

Excessive force is defined as the use of force that surpasses what is considered reasonable and necessary to manage a situation effectively. This definition underscores that law enforcement personnel must use only the minimum amount of force needed to address a given scenario while ensuring compliance with established policies and legal standards. When the force applied exceeds these reasonable limits, it is categorized as excessive, which can lead to violations of an individual’s rights and potential legal repercussions for the officer involved. This understanding is crucial in training and evaluating appropriate responses in law enforcement to maintain accountability and ensure that actions taken in the line of duty adhere to regulations and ethical guidelines.