How is "excessive force" defined under New Mexico law?

The definition of "excessive force" under New Mexico law focuses on the concept of reasonableness in the actions of law enforcement. It is defined as force that exceeds what a reasonable officer would use in similar circumstances. This standard is grounded in the principle that law enforcement officers must exercise their authority using only the amount of force that is deemed necessary to effectively carry out their duties, taking into account the situation at hand and the behavior of the suspect.

This definition underscores the importance of context and the expectation that officers will act within the bounds of reason when responding to a situation. It emphasizes the need for a subjective evaluation based on what would be deemed appropriate by a similarly trained and experienced officer facing the same scenario, highlighting that the use of force must be proportional to the threat or resistance encountered.

The other interpretations of excessive force, such as being "unlawful force used during an arrest," "any use of force that results in injury," or "force used without proper justification," do not align with the specific standard of reasonableness that is central to the definition in New Mexico law. Each of those alternatives lacks the critical component of comparing an officer's actions to the standard of other reasonable officers in similar situations.