When should correctional officers use the amount of force deemed necessary?

Using the amount of force deemed necessary is closely tied to achieving a correctional objective. This principle is rooted in the requirement for correctional officers to maintain safety, security, and order within the correctional facility. The use of force should always be proportional and justified by the goal of resolving a situation effectively while ensuring the welfare of both staff and inmates.

When reframing the approach to using force, it’s crucial to recognize the role of a correctional officer in de-escalating situations and managing behavior in a way that aligns with set policies and procedures. The focus on achieving a correctional objective means that any force used should be aimed at regaining control, preventing harm, or ensuring compliance with facility rules, rather than solely reacting to personal feelings of threat or discomfort.

Force should be seen as a last resort, utilized when other methods, such as verbal commands or conflict resolution techniques, have failed. This justifies the application of force when necessary but also underscores the expectation that officers act within the bounds of regulation and policy geared towards maintaining institutional order and promoting rehabilitation.