What constitutes excessive force according to North Carolina General Statute 148.20?

Excessive force, as defined by North Carolina General Statute 148.20, primarily refers to actions taken by correctional officers that exceed what is deemed necessary for maintaining order and ensuring safety within correctional facilities. Punishing inmates for their conduct reflects a response that goes beyond maintaining security and might be viewed as a punitive action rather than a necessary enforcement action. In this context, the application of force is acceptable only to the extent that it is needed to manage a situation or an inmate's behavior without inflicting unnecessary harm or punishment.

The other options involve actions that, when applied within the appropriate context and using reasonable judgment, do not necessarily constitute excessive force. Forcing compliance during a riot, physical restraint during emergencies, and using handcuffs during transport are all considered acceptable measures for maintaining security and safety as long as they are applied judiciously and appropriately. The core distinction lies in ensuring that the measures employed are strictly for the purpose of control and safety rather than punitive in nature.