When Police Use Force
Wis. Stat. 175.44 — objectively reasonable force, and deadly force only as a last resort
In serving the community, Wisconsin law enforcement officers make every effort to preserve and protect human life and the safety of all persons, and respect and uphold the dignity of all persons at all times in a nondiscriminatory manner.
Objectively reasonable. When using force, an officer is required to act in good faith to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective. An officer is authorized to use force that is objectively reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances, including the three the section names.
- The severity of the alleged crime at issue.
- Whether the suspect poses an imminent threat to the safety of officers or others.
- Whether the suspect is actively resisting or attempting to evade arrest by flight.
Deadly force, as a last resort. An officer may use deadly force only as a last resort, when the officer reasonably believes all other options have been exhausted or would be ineffective, and only to stop behavior that has caused or imminently threatens to cause death or great bodily harm to the officer or another person. If both practicable and feasible, the officer gives a verbal warning first.
Other officers report and intervene. An officer who witnesses another officer use force that does not meet those standards reports it as soon as is practicable. An officer who observes it intervenes to prevent or stop it, without regard for chain of command, when it is safe to, and reports the intervention to an immediate supervisor. Intentionally failing to report or to intervene may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both, and no officer may be disciplined or otherwise discriminated against for reporting or intervening.
The definitions of the officers the section covers, the privileges in the criminal code, and any claim for damages are not on this page. Whether any particular use of force was justified is a question for a court and for a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Wis. Stat. 175.44 — Law enforcement use of force
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.