Use-of-force and the Issue of Less Intrusive Means

摘要

A recurrent question in law enforcement circles is whether or not less intrusive means in use-of-force cases are required by law? Following is a review of some cases which have addressed this issue. From these cases it is recognized that law enforcement officers are not required by the 4th Amendment to use less intrusive means when confronted with a situation in which deadly force could justifiably be used. Accordingly, a critical issue is: either a deadly force situation exists or it does not exist under the circumstances.