Final answer:
Law enforcement officers must consider the principles of use of force and the level of threat posed by a non-compliant, actively fighting suspect. Striking a suspect in the head should generally be avoided, but may be considered as a last resort in certain situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with suspects who are not complying, actively fighting, and if the head is the only accessible area to strike, law enforcement officers must follow the principles of use of force and consider the level of threat the suspect poses. The use of force should always be proportionate to the threat faced.
Law enforcement officers are trained to use techniques such as control holds, joint manipulation, or less lethal weapons to subdue a suspect. Striking a suspect in the head should generally be avoided as it can cause serious injury or death.
If an officer reasonably believes that the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death to themselves or others, including fellow officers, they may use necessary force, including striking in the head, as a last resort to neutralize the threat.