In the use-of-force continuum, what principle best describes how force should be applied?

• A. Force must be proportional to the suspect's resistance.
• B. Force should always be maximal.
• C. Force should be avoided at all costs.
• D. Force is determined by the officer's mood.

Answer: (A)

Proportionality in the use-of-force continuum means using only the amount of force needed to safely control the situation, matched to how much the suspect is resisting. As resistance rises, the force used should rise in step—and when control is achieved or danger subsides, the force should be reduced or stopped. This keeps actions within what a reasonable officer would do in that moment, balancing safety with the suspect’s rights and reducing unnecessary harm.

Maximizing force regardless of resistance contradicts the idea of necessity and can create greater risk and liability. Trying to avoid force entirely isn’t practical when a subject is actively resisting or dangerous. And basing actions on mood has no objective basis and violates standards of reasonableness and fairness. Proportional force, applied with ongoing assessment, is the principle that best fits how the continuum is supposed to function.