Which principle should NOT be applied when determining the use of force?

When determining the use of force, one crucial principle is that force must be measured and proportional to the situation at hand. This means that officers should assess the level of threat they're facing and respond accordingly, ensuring that any force applied is appropriate for that specific scenario. The principle of using force freely based on officer discretion undermines this critical framework.

Officers need to operate within defined guidelines and standards that dictate acceptable use of force, which takes into account both legal and ethical considerations. Discretion should not equate to carte blanche to apply force as one sees fit; rather, it should involve careful judgment that considers the circumstances and the rights and dignity of individuals involved.

The principles that should guide the use of force focus on minimizing harm, matching force with the threat level, and ensuring that any application of force is necessary and reasonable, reinforcing the commitment to responsible and just policing practices.