What is the primary objective of using force by peace officers in any situation?

The primary objective of using force by peace officers is to overcome resistance and gain control of an individual. This purpose is grounded in the need to maintain public safety and order. When officers encounter situations where individuals are unwilling to comply with lawful orders or pose a threat to themselves or others, the use of force becomes necessary to deescalate a potentially volatile situation and ensure that the officer can perform their duties effectively.

In such scenarios, the focus is on securing the individual and safeguarding the community, rather than on punishment or demonstrating authority. While ensuring the safety of bystanders is also an important consideration, it is typically a secondary effect of achieving control over the individual involved. The overarching goal remains to manage the situation efficiently, which directly ties back to the need for officers to exert control in order to protect both the public and themselves.