In what situation is using a baton considered justified?

Using a baton is considered justified when an officer is in danger of being overpowered. In this scenario, the officer faces an immediate threat to their personal safety or the safety of others, which requires a proportional response to neutralize that threat. Batons are designed to gain compliance and restrain a suspect while minimizing injury, making them an appropriate tool in situations where a direct confrontation could lead to the officer being outmatched or harmed.

This justification hinges on the principle of self-defense and the necessity of protecting oneself or others from potential harm. When faced with an imminent threat, deploying a baton helps to create distance and leverage physical control over the assailant, allowing the officer to regain control of the situation. Using a baton solely to assert authority or to preemptively prevent escape, for example, may not meet the legal or ethical standards for justified use of force, as these do not imply an immediate threat to safety. Similarly, using it to control a large crowd could be excessive unless there is a clear and present danger to officers or bystanders. Thus, the context of personal safety is essential in determining the justified use of a baton.