What can occur if an officer uses excessive force?

When an officer uses excessive force, it can lead to disciplinary action within the department because such behavior is generally deemed a violation of department policies and standards governing the use of force. Law enforcement agencies have specific guidelines that outline the appropriate use of force, and exceeding those limits can result in consequences ranging from reprimands to suspension or termination of employment. Disciplinary actions serve to maintain accountability, uphold the integrity of the law enforcement agency, and ensure that officers adhere to ethical conduct while performing their duties.

In contrast, negligence claims typically relate to civil liability rather than internal disciplinary matters, while voluntary contacts pertain to consensual interactions that do not involve force. A warrant for an officer's arrest would generally arise from criminal conduct, which may not always be registered for using excessive force unless it escalates to a criminal level. Thus, disciplinary action is the most direct and relevant consequence for an officer's misconduct in this context.