What does "justification of use of force" entail in a correctional context?

In the correctional context, the concept of "justification of use of force" centers around the principle that any use of force by officers must be reasonably necessary to achieve a specific correctional objective. This entails a careful consideration of the situation at hand and the appropriate level of force required to maintain order, ensure safety, and uphold institutional rules.

Reasonably necessary means that the force used should be proportional to the threat or resistance encountered. For example, if an inmate is posing an immediate danger to themselves or others, the use of force may be justified to de-escalate the situation or prevent harm. However, this force must be seen as a last resort after other measures, such as verbal communication or negotiation, have been exhausted or deemed ineffective.

In contrast, the idea that force must always be avoided fails to recognize that there are circumstances in which force is an essential component of maintaining the safety and security of the facility. The assertion that force is acceptable under any circumstances raises ethical concerns and disregards the necessity of restraint and professionalism in correctional settings. Lastly, relying solely on an officer's discretion without a framework for justified force could lead to abuse and could compromise the safety and integrity of both inmates and staff.