Under what circumstances may police use necessary force?

Police officers are permitted to use necessary force during the execution of their lawful duties to ensure their safety, the safety of others, and to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This may include making arrests, preventing crimes, or responding to threats. The concept of "necessary force" implies that officers may use an appropriate level of force in relation to the situation they are facing, maintaining proportionality and legality.

When police officers are in the course of performing their official duties, they may encounter situations where they must defend themselves or others, control a suspect, or restore order. The law recognizes that police work often involves unpredictable circumstances that may necessitate the use of force to protect individuals and uphold the law.

The other options do not align with the legal basis for using force. Auto accidents are typically civil matters where police could provide assistance but not use force unless necessary for enforcement or safety. Being on a break means officers are off-duty and should not engage in official actions requiring the use of force in their personal capacity. Self-defense is a particular scenario within the broader context of lawful duties, but it does not encompass the entire scope of circumstances under which police may use necessary force.