What does the "use of force continuum" outline?

The "use of force continuum" outlines the appropriate levels of force that law enforcement officers may employ in response to various situations, specifically relating to the level of resistance exhibited by a subject. This framework is designed to provide officers with a systematic approach to deciding how much force is reasonable and necessary in any given encounter, allowing them to match their response to the behavior of the individual they are confronting.

For example, the continuum might start with verbal commands and escalate to physical control techniques, moving up to more severe measures, such as the use of non-lethal or lethal force, if the situation demands it. This structure not only aids officers in making informed and lawful decisions during encounters but also serves to protect citizens' rights by establishing clear guidelines that are intended to minimize unnecessary escalation and injury.

Understanding this continuum is crucial for law enforcement training, as it emphasizes the principle of using only the level of force required to safely and effectively manage a situation, aligning with ethical policing practices.