When is a peace officer allowed to use force to make an arrest?

A peace officer is permitted to use force to make an arrest when they have informed the defendant of the arrest. This aligns with the legal principle that an officer must announce their authority to arrest before using force if the suspect does not comply. Informing the suspect not only establishes the officer's intent but also provides an opportunity for the suspect to submit to the arrest voluntarily.

The requirement for officers to announce their authority before applying force promotes transparency and respect for individual rights while still allowing law enforcement to perform their duties effectively. This is particularly important as it maintains a balance between the need to enforce the law and the respect for personal liberties.

In circumstances where an officer feels threatened or the suspect is actively resisting, less forceful alternatives are generally encouraged until the legal authority to use significant force based on clear communication of the arrest is established. Thus, while there might be situations where officers must act swiftly and decisively, the foundational requirement of informing the suspect emphasizes the procedural aspects of making an arrest lawfully.