What does 'use of force continuum' mean?

The concept of 'use of force continuum' refers to the range of options available to law enforcement officers when addressing a situation that may require the use of force. It is a framework that guides officers in determining the appropriate level of force based on the circumstances they encounter. The continuum starts from the lowest possible level of force, such as verbal commands or presence, and escalates through various levels of force that may include soft or hard hand control, and ultimately, lethal force if necessary.

This approach emphasizes proportionality, meaning that the force used must be reasonable and appropriate to the specific situation at hand. By having a structured continuum, law enforcement can ensure actions are justified, thereby minimizing unnecessary harm and enhancing accountability.

In contrast, other choices focus on specific aspects like minimum force for arrest, maximum self-defense force, or the types of weapons, which do not capture the broader principle of a systematically categorized range of force options available to officers in various scenarios.