What should peace officers rely on when making decisions regarding the use of force?

Peace officers should rely on established laws and guidelines when making decisions regarding the use of force because these provide a framework for appropriate and lawful actions in the performance of their duties. Laws and guidelines are created to ensure that the use of force is justified, necessary, and proportional to the situation at hand. They are developed through legal principles and often informed by case law, training standards, and best practices in law enforcement.

Using established laws and guidelines helps ensure accountability and protects both the officer and the community. This reliance on documented policies fosters transparency and consistency in law enforcement practices, which is crucial for building public trust in the justice system. Additionally, adherence to these standards can provide legal protection for officers by demonstrating that their use of force was in accordance with the law, should their actions ever be scrutinized in a court of law or through internal review processes.

In contrast, personal judgment can be highly subjective and may lead to inconsistent application of force. Relying on advice from friends or social media trends lacks the legal basis needed for making these critical decisions and can therefore endanger both the officer and the public.