Force Continuum 

This page will provide all the different types of forces that can be used, and what force is appropriate for different situations.

Verbal 

Verbal force is a non-physical level of force that police officers use to gain compliance: 

• Calm commands
  Officers may issue calm, nonthreatening commands, such as "Let me see your identification and registration".

• Shortened commands
  Officers may increase their volume and shorten commands in an attempt to gain compliance, such as "Stop," or "Don't move".

Verbal force is different from verbal de-escalation, which is meant to diffuse the situation. Verbal de-escalation should be used first if possible. 

Non-lethal

Non-lethal force is a level of force that is intended to not cause death or serious physical injury. Non-lethal weapons are also known as less-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, or compliance weapons. 

 Examples of non-lethal weapons and tactics include: 

tackling, chemical agents, batons, saps, stun guns, restraints, bean bags, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. 

Lethal/Deadly

Lethal force, also known as deadly force, is the use of physical force that can cause serious injury or death to another person. It is typically only justified in extreme situations as a last resort, when other means have failed or are not reasonable.  

Examples of Lethal/Deadly force include: 

• Firearm

• Vehicle

• Bladed/Sharp Object

• Non-traditional weapons used offensively, such as a baseball bat, sharp pencil, or tire iron