In law enforcement, what is the main principle of objective reasonableness?

The main principle of objective reasonableness in law enforcement revolves around the idea that an officer's use of force must be proportional to the threat they perceive at a given moment. This concept is grounded in the need for officers to make split-second decisions in dynamic and often unpredictable situations, evaluating the level of threat posed by a suspect or scenario.

Objective reasonableness takes into consideration the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, taking into account the totality of the circumstances they face, including the potential danger to themselves or others. Therefore, if an officer perceives an immediate threat to their safety or the safety of others, the use of force must correspond to that threat level.

This principle seeks to ensure that law enforcement personnel use force judiciously and in a manner that is both necessary and appropriate for the situation, promoting accountability and careful assessment while maintaining officer safety and public trust.