Use of Force

Proportional Use of Force

The use of force is limited to the initial response from the suspect.

Matching Force Levels

• Non-Threatening Situations

  • When faced with non-threatening, cooperative individuals, verbal communication and officer presence should suffice.

• Direct Threats

  • Should an individual directly threaten officers or others, more forceful measures, including hard control or potentially deadly force, may be justified. However, these measures must strictly correspond to the immediacy and level of the threat.

Levels of Force

Verbal Commands

Verbal commands constitute the second level of force, involving direct orders from officers to individuals to ensure compliance with law enforcement objectives. To appropriately counter this, individuals should listen carefully, seek to understand the commands being given and respond accordingly. If needed, asking for clarification in a respectful manner can help ensure that both parties understand each other and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings leading to escalated force.

Non-lethal Force

Non-lethal can be used when someone is posing an imminent danger to an officer, another person or property. If the suspect is willing to harm or injure someone else, then non-lethal force is allowed. This can include items such as a taser, pepper spray, baton, or beanbag shotgun.

Lethal Force

The most severe level of police force is deadly force, used in situations where an officer perceives an imminent threat to life. Countering this level of force involves a heightened need for compliance and the cessation of any actions that could be perceived as a threat. It is imperative to immediately halt all movements, drop any objects in one's hands, and raise hands in the air to show that one is not a threat. Communicating clearly and calmly can also be crucial in de-escalating a potentially fatal encounter.