What does the "use of force continuum" blueprint consist of?

The concept of the "use of force continuum" blueprint is designed to provide law enforcement and security personnel with a structured framework for determining the appropriate level of force to use based on a subject's degree of aggression or resistance. This continuum allows officers to assess the situation and respond accordingly, promoting a balanced approach to de-escalate confrontations whenever possible and ensuring that the level of force applied is proportional to the threat posed.

For instance, if a subject is uncooperative or aggressive, the continuum dictates a graduated response, starting from verbal commands and potentially escalating to physical restraint or defensive tactics as necessary, in a manner that is measured and justified. This method not only aims to protect the safety of both the officer and the subject but also seeks to uphold legal and ethical standards regarding the use of force.

In contrast, while negotiation protocols and equipment usage guidelines could be relevant in specific contexts, they do not capture the essence of the use of force continuum, which primarily focuses on the interaction between the officer's response and the subject's behavior. Similarly, steps to request backup might be crucial in high-risk scenarios but do not form a fundamental part of the use of force continuum framework. Thus, the correct understanding centers on the varying levels of force that can