The use of force is always a last resort and should only be employed when it is absolutely necessary to:

• Protect oneself or others from imminent harm
  
  

• Make an arrest when an individual is resisting or evading arrest
  
  

• Prevent the escape of a suspect from lawful custody

The NJSP uses a continuum of force, which provides officers with a range of options to use in various situations. The level of force should be proportional to the resistance or threat posed by the individual involved.

1. Presence:
   
   

   • Verbal commands or a display of authority (badge, uniform) may be sufficient to gain compliance in many situations.
     
     

   • Officer presence alone is often the most effective tool for de-escalating a situation.
     
     

2. Verbal Commands:
   
   

   • Officers can issue clear, calm, and concise verbal commands to gain compliance.
     
     

   • The officer’s tone of voice and body language must be professional, assertive, and non-threatening.
     
     

3. Empty-Hand Control:
   
   

   • Officers may use non-lethal physical force to control a subject or make an arrest, such as grabbing, holding, or restraining an individual.
     
     

   • This includes joint locks, takedowns, or using body weight to subdue a person, always in a manner that minimizes injury.
     
     

4. Less-Lethal Force:
   
   

   • This includes the use of tools such as batons, tasers, pepper spray, or bean bag rounds to subdue an individual.
     
     

   • Less-lethal force should be used when appropriate to reduce the potential for injury or death.
     
     

5. Lethal Force:
   
   

   • Lethal force (e.g., firearm discharge) is only justified when an officer is faced with an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others.
     
     

   • The decision to use lethal force must be made quickly, but it should always be reasonable and proportionate to the threat.