What type of force should not be used by officers, as per the standards of conduct?

The standards of conduct emphasize the need for officers to exercise caution and restraint in their use of force. Excessive and malicious force is explicitly prohibited because it not only violates ethical standards but also contradicts the principles of justice and human rights. This type of force goes beyond what is necessary to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective, potentially causing undue harm to individuals and undermining public trust in law enforcement.

In contrast, reasonable force in self-defense, force during lawful arrests, and pursuit force for fleeing suspects are all acceptable forms of force when used appropriately, as they adhere to the principles of necessity and proportionality. Officers are trained to assess situations and determine the appropriate level of force required based on the circumstances at hand, making it crucial to distinguish excessive force from necessary lawful conduct.