Use of Force

Use of Force refers to the amount of effort required by law enforcement or military personnel to maintain control over a situation or an individual. It is typically categorized into levels, ranging from verbal commands to deadly force, depending on the threat posed. The principle emphasizes that the force used must be proportional to the threat faced. In legal and ethical terms, it means that responders should only escalate their response to the minimum necessary to ensure safety, uphold the law, and protect both themselves and others. Proper training and guidelines help govern these decisions.