(a) The officers and guards of the Division of Correction shall use all lawful and suitable means to defend themselves, secure the persons of offenders, and prevent attempted violence and escape whenever two (2) or more inmates shall combine for the following purposes or whenever one (1) or more inmates shall:
(1) Offer violence to any officer, guard, or inmate;
(2) Do or attempt to do any injury to any building, workshop, or appurtenance thereto;
(3) Attempt to escape; or
(4) Resist any lawful demand.
(b) If any of the officers or guards employed in the division shall, in the attempt to prevent the escape of any inmate, any attempt to retake any inmate who may have escaped, or in the attempt to suppress any riot, revolt, or insurrection, take the life of any inmate, the officer or guard shall not be held responsible therefor unless it is done unnecessarily or wantonly.