In what scenarios can a DPS Trooper use force?

A DPS Trooper is trained to use force primarily in situations that involve the protection of themselves or others from imminent harm. This principle is grounded in the necessity to maintain safety and ensure the protection of life. When there is a clear and immediate threat to a person’s safety, whether it be the trooper's own safety or the safety of another individual, the use of force becomes justified as a means to respond to that threat.

In contrast, other scenarios listed may not meet the established criteria for justifiable force under standard law enforcement guidelines. For instance, protecting property from theft, issuing a traffic citation, or making an arrest without a warrant may involve different protocols or levels of engagement that do not involve the same immediate danger prompting a defensive response. Thus, the fundamental necessity for self-defense or the defense of others is what makes using force acceptable in those particular circumstances.