Use of force continuum

Original content: wikipedia

Example model

This model is adapted from a United States government publication on use of force.<ref>Garner and Maxwell.</ref> It lists multiple tactics in order from least to most severe, but is only a partial model, as it does not give corresponding degrees of subject resistance.

• Verbal command
• Handcuff suspect
• Search suspect
• Use wrist/arm lock
• Use takedown
• Block/punch/kick
• Strike suspect
• Wrestle suspect
• Pepper spray
• Use baton
• Use firearm

An actual example is:

• E. RANGE OF RESPONSE CONTINUUM:

1. Level 1 - Officer Presence: Sublevels = Standing, Walking, Running, Canine, and/or Equine. Used when those around the Officer are compliant subjects (those individuals who offer no verbal or physical resistance to the Officer’s commands and demonstrate their cooperation by immediately responding to directions).
2. Level 2 - Verbal Commands: Sublevels = Whisper, Conversation, Shout, and/or Canine. Used by the Officer on passively resistant subjects that are those individuals that refuse to comply with commands but are not attempting to physically prevent or defeat the Officer’s commands or contact controls.
3. Level 3 - Control and Restraint: Sublevels = Empty Hands, Impact Tools, Restraints, OC Spray, Canine, Equine, and/or Electronics. Used on actively resistant subjects who refuse to comply with the Officer’s commands and are physically resisting a deputy’s control techniques, or individuals whose combination of words and actions may present a physical threat to others.
4. Level 4 - Chemical Agents: (normally used by SWAT, Detentions Response Teams or other Special Units) Sublevels = Hand Held, Thrown, and/or Propelled.
5. Level 5- Temporary Incapacitation: Sublevels = Empty Hands, Impact Tools, Electronics, Canine, Equine. Used on combative subjects who attempt to defeat a the Officer’s compliance techniques in that they are resistant, combative and overtly attempting to overpower the Officer.
6. Level 6 - Deadly Force: Sublevels = Empty Hands, Impact Tools, and/or Firearms (warning shots are not allowed). Deadly force assaults are any assaults where the Officer has reason to believe the subject’s actions are likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.

Civilian Model

Original content: CIVILIAN USE OF FORCE CONTINUUM By Michael VanBlaricum

Most Use of Force Continuums have the following progressing levels:

1. Presence of the Defender/Officer.
2. Verbal commands.
3. Soft-hands (compliance & redirection techniques, display of non-lethal weapons).
4. Non-lethal weapons (OC spray, Electronic Restraint Device).
5. Hard hands & Impact Weapons
6. Deadly force