In what situation is it reasonable to use force against a mentally ill person?

It is reasonable to use force against a mentally ill person when they pose a reasonable threat. This consideration takes into account the safety of the officer, the individual in question, and any bystanders. If a mentally ill person is exhibiting behaviors that could harm themselves or others, law enforcement may need to take action to mitigate that threat.

The application of reasonable force is guided by the principles of proportionality and necessity. This means that the level of force used should correspond to the threat level presented. If the individual is posing a genuine threat, this justifies the use of reasonable force to address the situation effectively.

In circumstances where the individual is unarmed or compliant, the need to use force diminishes significantly as there is less immediate risk involved. Utilizing force under such conditions could be considered excessive or unwarranted. Similarly, if the person is actively resisting arrest, the application of force may be justified, but this must be balanced against the individual's mental state and the overall context of the encounter. The key point remains that the use of force must always align with the perceived threat to ensure safety and uphold the law.