What are the possible legal consequences for a peace officer who applies excessive force?

The application of excessive force by a peace officer can lead to serious legal consequences, including civil liability and criminal charges. When a peace officer uses more force than necessary in a situation, they may be held liable for violating an individual's civil rights, which could result in a lawsuit where they would need to compensate the affected person for damages.

Additionally, excessive force can result in the officer facing criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances, these charges could range from misdemeanors to felonies, including assault or battery, especially if the actions are deemed willful and unlawful. This dual risk of civil and criminal repercussions illustrates the severity of such actions and underscores the importance of adhering to lawful procedures and guidelines in law enforcement.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of legal consequences that can arise from applying excessive force. While disciplinary actions, training, or suspension might be consequences at the departmental level, they do not account for the potential legal accountability that can arise within the civil and criminal justice systems.