What should be avoided according to the Commandant's Use Of Force Policy?

The Commandant's Use Of Force Policy is designed to ensure that any application of force by Coast Guard personnel is appropriate, measured, and justified under the circumstances. According to this policy, excessive force is strictly prohibited. This is crucial not only for the protection of individuals being approached or detained but also for maintaining the integrity and trust of the Coast Guard as an organization.

Excessive force refers to any action that goes beyond what is necessary to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective. The policy emphasizes the need for officers to use only the amount of force that is necessary to subdue a subject, make an arrest, or protect themselves and others. Adhering to this principle helps prevent abuse of power, protects civil rights, and upholds the rule of law.

The other options reflect practices that either align with the policy or are overly broad. While using no force at all can be appropriate in certain scenarios, there are situations where some form of force may be necessary. Reasonable force falls within the accepted guidelines of law enforcement and is permitted when justified. Similarly, non-lethal force is often encouraged as it can help minimize harm while still providing a means to control a situation. However, none of these approaches contradicts the prohibition against excessive force, which