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Use of force decisions must be “objectively reasonable” under the totality of the circumstances. Key factors include the severity of the suspected offense, whether the subject poses an immediate threat to officers or others, and whether the subject is actively resisting or attempting to flee. In this scenario the person is noncompliant but static, hands visible, and not presenting an immediate threat, so creating time, maintaining distance, using cover, and applying clear, calm verbal direction are consistent with de-escalation best practices and constitutional standards. Deadly force or intermediate force options are not justified simply for passive resistance. Texas training mandates emphasize de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques in the basic curriculum and in continuing education, reinforcing that officers should use the least intrusive option that is reasonable to safely resolve the encounter. Employing verbal strategies here aligns with both the Fourth Amendment’s “objective reasonableness” test and Texas’s emphasis on de-escalation training for peace officers. (Justia Law, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement)