Backing the proposed presumption of legitimate defense is seen by many as a necessary step to protect police officers from the psychological and legal toll of constant scrutiny. In the current climate, officers often face immediate public and legal backlash for actions taken during volatile encounters. By establishing a presumption of innocence regarding the use of force, the state acknowledges the extreme pressure inherent in police work.
Advocates emphasize that this policy does not grant officers total immunity. Instead, it provides a more balanced starting point for legal investigations. Officers are frequently forced to make life-or-death decisions in seconds, often while facing armed or aggressive individuals. Requiring them to prove the proportionality of their actions from the outset can be an unfair burden that ignores the reality of street-level policing.
Furthermore, supporters argue that this legal shift will help address the recruitment and retention crisis within the French police force. When officers feel that the legal system is stacked against them, it discourages proactive policing and undermines their authority. By providing a clearer legal framework, the government aims to reassure officers that they will be supported by the law as long as they act within the scope of their professional training.
Ultimately, this change is viewed as a way to restore the balance of power in favor of those tasked with maintaining public order. It is intended to prevent the criminalization of police work and ensure that officers can focus on their primary mission of protecting citizens without the constant fear of being treated as suspects for doing their jobs. This move is seen as a vital step toward stabilizing the relationship between the state and its security forces.