What does physical force entail in a law enforcement context?

Physical force in a law enforcement context primarily involves the direct application of force or contact with a subject to execute an arrest or manage a situation. This can include actions such as holding, guiding, or restraining an individual to enforce law or maintain safety. When officers engage in physical force, they are acting in accordance with their training and protocols designed to ensure that force is used judiciously and appropriately to achieve a lawful objective, such as arresting a suspect or preventing harm.

The definitions of force in other options focus on indirect methods or scenarios where minimal physical interaction occurs, which do not align with the conventional understanding of physical force as it applies to law enforcement. Verbal commands, while authoritative, do not constitute physical force. Similarly, force that is only acceptable in self-defense situations is a narrower interpretation that doesn't encompass the entirety of how physical force might be applied during an arrest or other active law enforcement duties. The mention of minimal contact during an intervention suggests a very restrained and non-invasive approach, which contrasts with the broader and more direct nature of physical force as utilized for law enforcement actions.