If a person authorized by law to use force uses more force than necessary, what is their liability?

Study for the Community Peace Officer Induction Program 15 Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Use of force by someone authorized to do so must be reasonable and necessary for the situation. If more force is used than what is needed to address the threat or protect lives, that excess isn’t covered by their authority. They become criminally responsible for the excess because the law requires force to be proportional to the danger and limited to what is reasonably necessary. This accountability isn’t negated by their status, and the law specifically addresses excess force, potentially leading to criminal charges and other consequences.