Understanding the Use of Force Continuum in Law Enforcement

For law enforcement, the use of force is often necessary to maintain order and ensure the safety of both officers and civilians. However, using force can be dangerous and has the potential to cause harm. Therefore, law enforcement agencies often follow a Use of Force continuum to guide officers on when and how force should be used.

A Use of Force continuum is a standardized system that outlines the levels of force that law enforcement officers may use to gain control of a situation. It ensures that officers use the least amount of force necessary to de-escalate a situation and maintain the safety of all involved parties. The levels of a Use of Force continuum vary depending on the agency, but there are generally six levels.

Level One: Officer Presence

The lowest level on the Use of Force continuum is Officer Presence. This involves the mere presence of a uniformed police officer, which can often be enough to calm down a situation. Other than the presence of an officer, they may also use verbal communication at this level to try to de-escalate the situation.

Level Two: Verbal Commands

If level one fails, the officer will move on to level two, which involves using verbal commands. At this level, the officer gives simple commands to an individual to gain control of the situation. These commands include requests to stop or to put their hands up. It's important that the commands are clear and concise, allowing the individual to understand what is expected of them.

Level Three: Soft Techniques (Empty Hand Control)

If the verbal commands fail, the officer moves to level three. This level involves the use of soft techniques such as grabs, holds, and control techniques to gain direct the individual. These methods are designed to control the individual without causing them harm, and it is important for the officer to use the least amount of force necessary.

Level Four: Pepper Spray and Tasers

If soft techniques fail, the officer will move on to level four, which involves the use of non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray or a taser. These weapons are less harmful than firearms but can still cause injury if used improperly, so they should only be used as a last resort.

Level Five: Baton or Other Impact Tools

If the non-lethal weapons fail, the officer may move on to level five, which involves the use of an impact weapon such as a baton. These weapons are designed to subdue individuals and gain control of the situation.

Level Six: Lethal Force

As a last resort, law enforcement officers may use lethal force, which involves the use of firearms. This level of force should only be used when an officer is in imminent danger or when someone else's life is in danger.

Note:

An officer is not required to move up the continuum one level at a time. They may immediately skip to the most appropriate level. Conversely, they may step down a level or levels if they determine a suspect is complying.

An Example of a Use of Force of Continuum:

Source: United States Government Accountability Office Report to Congressional Committees, VA POLICE, Actions Needed to Improve Data Completeness and Accuracy on Use of Force Incidents at Medical Centers, GAO-20-599

The Use of Force continuum serves as a guide for law enforcement to minimize applied force and promote de-escalation in situations. It is important for law enforcement officers to be trained on how to use each level of force properly and to understand that lethal force should always be a last resort. By following the use of force continuum, law enforcement can maintain the safety of themselves and the community they serve.

There is a growing demand for law enforcement agencies across the United States to reconsider and revise their use-of-force policies. The focus is on ensuring that policies align with current needs and concerns of society, while continuing to keep law enforcement personnel safe during their duties. Among the emerging trends is to implement de-escalation tactics as the primary strategy to reduce or avoid the use of force. This is accompanied by extensive training programs and improved community relations.

Ultimately, the use-of-force continuum serves as an essential tool for balancing the need to maintain public safety while also respecting the rights of individuals. Appropriate force coupled with de-escalation techniques and good community relations can go a long way in building trust and ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate with integrity and efficiency.