What state statute gives officers the authority to use force in this situation?

• A. 16-3-20
• B. 16-3-24.2
• C. 17-4-20
• D. 17-4-20(b)

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is understanding which statute specifically authorizes an officer to use force when gaining compliance. The provision that directly addresses using reasonable force to make an arrest or prevent escape gives a clear legal basis for applying force in this situation. It sets the standard that the force used must be reasonable and necessary given the resistance or threat, tying the action to a lawful objective (detaining someone or preventing further danger). Other statutes in the options tend to cover general offenses or topics that don’t directly authorize force in the context of enforcing an arrest or maintaining control, so they don’t fit the scenario as precisely.