What does subjective justification in the use of force refer to?

Subjective justification in the use of force refers to the officer's personal interpretation of the incident. This concept emphasizes that the perspective and reasoning of the officer involved play a critical role in justifying their use of force in any given situation. It acknowledges that the unique circumstances and the officer's immediate perception of the threat they face can influence their decision-making process.

When evaluating the officer's response, it is essential to consider what the officer believed was occurring at that moment, as well as the perceived level of threat. This subjective viewpoint can affect whether the officer's actions are deemed reasonable under the law, particularly during the moments leading up to and during the use of force.

The other options do not accurately reflect the basis of subjective justification. A legal standard set by state law represents more objective criteria that can be applied uniformly rather than individualized interpretations. Industry-wide policy guidelines typically outline general practices and protocols, rather than addressing the personal decision-making of an officer in a specific situation. The opinions of bystanders, while they may offer insight, do not form the basis of the officer's internal rationale or justification in a critical incident.