Which of the following best describes the standard for police use of force established by Graham vs. Connor?

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The standard for police use of force established by Graham v. Connor emphasizes that the use of force must be reasonable and necessary based on the circumstances encountered by law enforcement officers at the moment of the incident. This landmark Supreme Court case introduced an objective standard, which is evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than using hindsight.

Officers must consider the totality of the circumstances when determining the appropriateness of force, including factors like the severity of the crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others, and whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.

This standard is critical because it guides officers on how to assess situations and decide what level of force is justified, ensuring that their actions remain within legal bounds and are appropriate for the situation at hand.

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