Which model is used to describe the types and amount of force officers may use?

The Force Continuum is a critical model used in law enforcement to guide officers on the appropriate levels and types of force they may employ in various situations. This concept is essential for ensuring that the response to any incident is proportional to the threat level faced by officers and the public.

The Force Continuum typically outlines a spectrum of force options ranging from basic verbal commands to deadly force, with each level designed to match the intensity of the perceived threat or the level of resistance encountered by an officer. This model emphasizes the necessity for officers to escalate or de-escalate their use of force based on the behavior of the individual they are dealing with, thereby promoting the principle of proportionality in law enforcement responses.

In contrast, other models like the Use of Force Matrix and Threat Assessment Model also provide frameworks for understanding law enforcement engagements, but they do not encapsulate the range of force options as comprehensively as the Force Continuum. The Resistance Response Protocol focuses specifically on how officers should respond to different types of resistance rather than providing a broader view of the use of force spectrum. Thus, the Force Continuum serves as the most comprehensive descriptor for the types and amount of force that officers may legally and ethically utilize in the performance of their duties.