How to Use the Foce Continuum

In an instant a situation can escalate from an ordinary traffic stop to a death sentence. For this reason the use of force matrix was created. The use of force matrix is set policy by the department that categorizes the levels of force that an officer can use according to the threat level a suspect portrays.

When responding to a scene the first level of force is the Officers mere presence in most situations this acts as a deterrent for most criminal activities. Level 2 of the use force is verbal commands, for this level the Officer will use clear and deliberate commands to gain compliance. Level three or Soft techniques is the next level, during this level an Officer has the right to deploy non-lethal weapons if all other methods have failed prior to level three. Level four contains all the hard techniques, in this level the Officer is authorized to use strikes and take downs to defend themselves from a suspect. The fifth and final level in the use of force matrix is lethal force, this level is a final resort for an Officer only to be used to protect themselves and others from deadly force. When using the use of force matrix it is always important to stay in accordance with the suspect’s reactions and actions. When the situation escalates your level of force escalates, and as the situation deescalates your level of force deescalates.