Continuum of Force

The Continuum of Force is a guideline used by law enforcement to describe appropriate responses to a situation, scaled from least to most severe. It starts with verbal commands to de-escalate, then moves to physical contact if needed, and may escalate to the use of weapons or force if the individual poses a threat. The idea is to match the level of force to the level of resistance or danger, aiming to resolve situations safely while respecting individuals’ rights. It promotes responsible decision-making by encouraging officers to use only the necessary amount of force.