Which of the following is an example of excessive use of force?

Using lethal force in response to a verbal threat is considered an example of excessive use of force because it disproportionately escalates the situation. Law enforcement is trained to assess threats and respond in a manner that is proportional to the level of threat posed. A verbal threat, while potentially serious, does not typically warrant lethal force, which is reserved for situations where there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily injury. This response indicates a significant miscalculation of the threat presented, often violating departmental policies as well as legal standards regarding the use of deadly force.

In contrast, the other scenarios involve levels of force that may be justified in certain contexts. For instance, using handcuffs on a non-violent offender may be seen as a precautionary measure depending on the circumstances. Employing physical restraint to detain a suspect can be necessary in situations where the individual poses a threat to themselves or others. Additionally, deploying a taser after a warning can be considered a reasonable response to non-compliant behavior, provided that it is done within the policy guidelines regarding use of less-lethal force.