Under what circumstances is an officer justified in using an intermediate weapon?

An officer is justified in using an intermediate weapon when empty hand control has failed, indicating that the situation has escalated beyond basic physical intervention techniques. Intermediate weapons, such as batons, pepper spray, or tasers, serve as a means to apply necessary force when a suspect is actively resisting arrest or poses a threat to the officer or others. If attempts at using empty hand control have proven ineffective—perhaps due to the subject's size, strength, or aggressive behavior—an officer may deem it necessary to escalate the force to maintain control of the situation safely. This approach aligns with the principles of proportionality in the use of force, allowing officers to respond effectively while minimizing harm.