Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of "reasonable" force?

The concept of "reasonable" force in law enforcement and correctional contexts refers to the level of force that is appropriate and necessary in a given situation to control an individual or to protect oneself and others. The key aspect of reasonable force is that it must be appropriate to the threat or resistance being confronted.

Excessive force is not a characteristic of reasonable force because it goes beyond what is necessary to handle a situation. Reasonable force should be limited to what is needed to achieve lawful objectives, ensuring the safety of all parties involved while respecting the rights of individuals. When force exceeds this necessity, it transforms into excessive force, which can lead to legal consequences and violations of human rights. This is why excessive force is fundamentally at odds with the principles that define reasonable force in corrections and law enforcement.

In contrast, moderate, proportional, and justifiable force all fall within the framework of reasonable force. Moderate force is typically measured and used in a way that does not escalate the situation unnecessarily. Proportional force ensures that the level of force is in alignment with the threat faced, and justifiable force refers to the legal and moral context of using force when it is warranted.