When is it appropriate to escalate force according to the UOF Continuum?

The use of force continuum is designed to provide a structured framework for law enforcement officers to respond appropriately to various situations. The correct answer focuses on the subject's resistance level, which is a critical factor in determining the appropriate level of force to use during an encounter. As a subject's level of resistance increases, law enforcement is trained to escalate their response correspondingly. This approach aims to minimize harm while achieving compliance, ensuring that the response is proportional to the threat posed.

In practice, if a subject is cooperative, an officer would use minimal force, if any, while a subject who is actively resisting may require a more significant show of force to ensure control and safety. This approach reinforces the principle of graduated force—using the least amount of force necessary to achieve compliance is essential for both officer safety and the safety of the subject involved.

Other factors such as weather conditions, the number of officers, and officer judgment may play a role in decision-making, but the primary driver for escalating force is directly tied to how a subject is behaving and resisting. This allows for a more measured and appropriate response tailored to the dynamics of the situation at hand.