What is the purpose of the use-of-force continuum in policing?

The use-of-force continuum serves as a framework to help law enforcement officers make informed decisions about the appropriate level of force to employ in various situations. Its primary purpose is to provide clear guidelines for escalating or de-escalating the amount of force used based on the circumstances they encounter. This concept reflects the understanding that different situations may require different responses and emphasizes the necessity for officers to assess the level of threat they face.

For instance, officers might start with presence or verbal commands and escalate to physical force only if the situation does not respond positively to those initial measures. Conversely, if a situation begins to resolve or the threat level decreases, officers are encouraged to de-escalate their use of force correspondingly. This continuum promotes a balanced and measured approach to policing, ensuring that force is only applied as necessary and allowing for the preservation of life and peace whenever possible.