Final answer:
An officer may use force in self-defense or to protect others and affect an arrest, which aligns with both defensive and retaliatory force permissible by law. The justified use of force is an essential aspect of law enforcement to maintain safety and order.
Step-by-step explanation:
An officer may use force in specific circumstances to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and others. Instances when an officer may use force include a. Self-defense and b. Protect others and affect an arrest. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c. Both a and b.
Use of force by a law enforcement officer is generally justified in situations where the officer or another individual is placed in a position of immediate harm, or when it is necessary to affect an arrest of a non-compliant or threatening individual. In alignment with libertarian views, defensive force and retaliatory force are considered acceptable when used to prevent harm or to ensure justice against those who have initiated force. However, excess or unjustified use of force is not supported and can lead to legal consequences for the officer involved.
Furthermore, the nature of police work across various agencies—whether at the municipal or federal level—involves understanding the scope of authority that each officer has and acting within those limits to enforce the law and maintain public order.