If a reasonable officer perceives an inmate's behavior as active resistance, what should the officer's level of force be?

When an officer perceives an inmate's behavior as active resistance, the appropriate level of force to use is weaponless strategies. This approach aligns with the principles of using minimal force necessary to gain compliance while ensuring the safety of both the inmate and the officer. Weaponless strategies often include techniques such as physical control holds, de-escalation tactics, or simply using body positioning to stabilize the situation without escalating to more harmful forms of intervention.

This level of force is preferable because it emphasizes restraint and judgment, allowing officers to manage the situation effectively while minimizing the risk of injury. It also reflects the training provided to officers in correctional facilities, where maintaining a safe environment is crucial, and using excessive force can have severe consequences both legally and in terms of institutional safety.

Choosing weaponless strategies over options such as verbal commands or physical restraints underscores the officer's commitment to professionalism and controlling the situation with the least amount of force necessary, thus promoting a safer environment for inmates and staff alike.