Use of Force and Defensive Tactics
Core concepts
Use of force is judged by objective reasonableness under Graham v. Connor, considering the severity of the crime, the immediate threat, and active resistance or flight. Connecticut law authorizes reasonable force to make an arrest, prevent escape, defend oneself or others, and effect detention. Deadly force is narrowly limited; Tennessee v. Garner prohibits deadly force against a fleeing suspect unless the officer has probable cause the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury. De-escalation should be used when feasible. Officers have a duty to intervene when they observe excessive force and a duty to render medical aid. Document force, injuries, witnesses, and commands. Defensive tactics emphasize control, balance, and proportionality.
Traps
Questions often invite hindsight: force is judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on scene, not with 20/20 vision. Compliance with training does not automatically make force constitutional. Verbal resistance alone rarely justifies physical force. Do not confuse de-escalation with inaction. Do not ignore the duty to intervene or to summon medical help.
Worked example
A subject actively resists handcuffing but is not armed. You use a controlled takedown rather than a strike to the head. The factors: minor offense, no immediate threat of serious harm, active resistance. Rule of thumb: articulate the threat, the resistance, and why lesser options were impractical. If the threat changes, reassess; if it drops, reduce force.