What is the core principle of the Coast Guard Commandant's Use of Force Policy?

What is the core principle of the Coast Guard Commandant's Use of Force Policy?

• A. Only force reasonably necessary under the circumstances may be used; force shall never be used where assigned duties can be discharged without them; Excessive force shall never be used.
• B. Force should be used aggressively to deter crime.
• C. Force may be used to injure suspects to expedite arrests.
• D. Force is allowed for any purpose the officer deems necessary.

Answer: (A)

Use of force must be reasonable and necessary under the circumstances. The policy says that only force reasonably necessary to accomplish a lawful objective may be used, force should not be required if the duties can be discharged without it, and excessive force is never permitted. This sets a clear standard: respond with enough force to achieve a lawful goal, but stop short of causing unnecessary harm. It emphasizes restraint, proportionality, and the idea that force is a last resort after other options. Other approaches conflict with this standard: force should not be used aggressively as a deterrent, it should not be used to injure suspects merely to speed arrests, and force cannot be claimed for any purpose the officer desires. The correct principle centers on acting only when necessary, proportionate to the threat, and always avoiding excessive force.

Use of force must be reasonable and necessary under the circumstances. The policy says that only force reasonably necessary to accomplish a lawful objective may be used, force should not be required if the duties can be discharged without it, and excessive force is never permitted. This sets a clear standard: respond with enough force to achieve a lawful goal, but stop short of causing unnecessary harm. It emphasizes restraint, proportionality, and the idea that force is a last resort after other options.

Other approaches conflict with this standard: force should not be used aggressively as a deterrent, it should not be used to injure suspects merely to speed arrests, and force cannot be claimed for any purpose the officer desires. The correct principle centers on acting only when necessary, proportionate to the threat, and always avoiding excessive force.