What should an officer consider while determining the reasonable amount of force to use?

The totality of the circumstances represents a holistic assessment of the situation at hand, which is crucial for determining the reasonable amount of force an officer might use. This approach involves evaluating all relevant factors, including the nature of the threat posed, the behavior of the individual involved, the environment, the urgency of the situation, and any potential risk to the officer or others. By considering the totality of the circumstances, an officer can make a more informed decision that aligns with both legal standards and best practices in law enforcement.

Relying solely on the opinion of bystanders, the officer's training in isolation, or the department's policies without considering the specific context can lead to inadequate assessments. Each of these elements alone might not provide a complete understanding of what constitutes reasonable force in the specific scenario. Therefore, an officer's ability to weigh all relevant factors together is key to ensuring that their response is proportional, necessary, and appropriate under the circumstances.