What is a common misconception about use of force?

A common misconception about use of force is that any force is excessive simply because it results in injury or death. This belief overlooks the broader context of use of force incidents, including the legality and reasonableness of the officer’s actions based on the circumstances encountered at the time. The determination of excessive force involves analyzing the totality of the situation, including the threat level, the behavior of the individual involved, and the necessity of the force used in relation to the officer’s duties. Just because an incident results in injury or death does not automatically equate to the force being excessive; rather, each situation is unique and must be evaluated based on the specifics surrounding it, including the standards set by laws and police policies.