What does the “use of force continuum” concept entail?

The concept of the "use of force continuum" is fundamentally about ensuring that law enforcement officers respond to resistance with an appropriate level of force. It is structured to provide a clear framework that dictates how an officer should escalate or de-escalate their use of force based on the behavior and level of resistance exhibited by an individual.

Each level within the continuum corresponds to specific types of responses based on the individual's actions, ranging from passive resistance to active aggression. The idea is to maintain safety for all involved while ensuring that any force utilized is justified and proportionate to the situation. By emphasizing an appropriate and measured response, the continuum also supports officers in making decisions that align with legal and ethical standards while reducing unnecessary escalation.

This approach helps protect both the public and law enforcement personnel by advocating for a graduated response rather than an immediate application of high-level force, which can lead to excessive use of force incidents.