Which statement regarding the use of force in law enforcement is false?

The statement that a private person is never justified in the use of deadly force when assisting a law enforcement officer is false because there are circumstances under which a private individual may intervene and use deadly force. While the law generally restricts the use of deadly force, some jurisdictions allow private citizens to assist law enforcement, especially in life-threatening situations where an officer is in imminent danger. The justification for such force typically depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the situation, the immediacy of the threat, and the intent of the individual assisting the officer.

In contrast, the other statements present accurate views regarding the use of force. It's correct that a private individual cannot always justify the use of deadly force as it is heavily regulated by circumstances such as self-defense and proportionality. Law enforcement officers are indeed permitted to use reasonable force when effecting an arrest, which must align with the principles of necessity and proportionality relative to the threat posed. Furthermore, non-lethal force can be justified in specific contexts, such as when attempting to control a suspect without resorting to deadly measures.