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Use-of-Force Continuum: Rhode Island Statutory Definitions
Training
Citation
Summary and Notes
General statute defines the amount of force a police officer can use.
Relevant Excerpt
No greater restraint than is necessary shall be used for the detention of any person, and no unnecessary or unreasonable force shall be used in making an arrest.
General statute defining when a police officer may use deadly force
A police officer may use force dangerous to human life to make a lawful arrest for committing or attempting to commit a felony, whenever he or she reasonably believes that force dangerous to human life is necessary to effect the arrest and that the person to be arrested is aware that a peace officer is attempting to arrest him or her.
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