When is the use of physical force justified regarding a potential suicide?

The use of physical force is justified when there is suspicion that someone might commit suicide or harm themselves because it is part of the responsibility of corrections officers to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in their care. When there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person is at risk of self-harm, officers are trained to take action to prevent harm, which may include the use of physical force if necessary to secure the individual and get them the help they need.

This approach aligns with the principles of duty to protect and the obligation of corrections personnel to act in the interest of the individual's safety. It emphasizes proactive measures based on observed behavior or credible information that indicate a potential threat to life. In this context, the urgency of preventing a suicide overrides the usual principles of individual autonomy and restraint, leading to justified intervention.

The other options do not establish a direct basis for justifying the use of physical force in situations involving potential self-harm. For instance, a request from a family member, observations of erratic behavior, or even the presence of a therapist may not necessarily indicate an immediate risk of suicide, and thus, may not warrant the same immediate response as a clear suspicion of imminent harm.