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 means that the determination of whether the use of force was justified focuses on the officer's perspective and thought process at the time of the incident. Officers are often required to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, and their reasoning—based on their training, experience, and perception of the threat—plays a crucial role in whether their actions are deemed justified.

Understanding this concept is essential because it highlights the subjective nature of an officer's decision-making in the field. The evaluation of whether the use of force was appropriate can often be influenced by the individual officer's circumstances and reasoning, rather than strictly adhering to a uniform legal standard or guideline. This allows for a more nuanced assessment of situations where force was utilized, taking into account the unique context of each encounter.