What concept did Graham v. Connor introduce concerning the use of force by officers?

The concept introduced by Graham v. Connor is that the use of force by law enforcement officers should reflect objective reasonableness from the officer's perspective. This landmark Supreme Court case established the standard that officers' use of force must be evaluated based on what a reasonable officer would have perceived at the time of the incident, rather than on the outcome of the encounter or what might appear to be reasonable after the fact.

The court emphasized that the evaluation of an officer's actions should take into account the totality of the circumstances known to the officer at the moment force was used. This objective standard aims to provide a balance between the need for officers to act quickly in tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving situations, while also ensuring that their actions remain within the bounds of reasonableness under the Fourth Amendment.

This principle is vital for law enforcement training and practice, as it helps establish clear guidelines for when and how much force can justifiably be used, ultimately striving for accountability and minimizing unnecessary harm.