What must law enforcement officers do when resisting an arrest?

The best course of action for law enforcement officers when resisting an arrest is to use the appropriate level of force based on the circumstances they are facing. When a suspect actively resists arrest, officers are trained to assess the situation and respond with the necessary level of force that is reasonable and justifiable. This ensures that they can safely apprehend the individual while also protecting themselves and bystanders.

This response is grounded in de-escalation techniques, legal standards, and the use of force continuum, which provides officers with guidelines on how to engage in various scenarios. The use of force must be proportional to the level of threat or resistance being presented, allowing officers to exercise their judgment in the moment.

Proper application of force not only helps to secure compliance but also plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of everyone involved, including the individual being arrested, the officers, and the public. Thus, recognizing that sometimes the situation necessitates a forceful response underscores the importance of training and adherence to established protocols in law enforcement.