Excessive force can be described as a situation in which a police or law enforcement officer utilizes force in excess of what is considered reasonably necessary to diffuse a threat, make an arrest, or protect themselves or other individuals from possible harm or danger.nnAccording to California Penal Code Section 835a, “any peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a public offense may use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.”nnFurthermore, under California Penal Code Section 835a (b) (1), a peace officer is justified to use deadly force upon another person only when the officer reasonably believes, based on the totality of the circumstances, that such force is necessary:nnTo defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or to another person.nTo apprehend a fleeing person for any felony that threatened or resulted in death or serious bodily injury.nAny police officer who exceeds the reasonable physical force necessary against an alleged defendant may be held liable — or even face criminal charges for using excessive or deadly force.