What is a use-of-force continuum?

• A. A progression of force levels that should match the suspect's resistance.
• B. A fixed list of actions used by officers regardless of the situation.
• C. A set of courtroom procedures for presenting evidence.
• D. A guideline for writing incident reports.

Answer: (A)

The use-of-force continuum is a framework that guides how an officer responds to a suspect’s resistance, moving through levels of force in proportion to the threat. The best answer describes a progression of force levels that should match the suspect’s resistance, because officers are taught to escalate or de-escalate based on how the situation unfolds, using only what is reasonably necessary to gain compliance and protect safety. In practice, this includes starting with presence and verbal commands, then moving to softer controls, then intermediate means, and only escalating to more serious options if the resistance increases or remains unresolved. It’s about proportionality and adaptability to each scenario, not a one-size-fits-all script. The other choices don’t fit because the continuum is not a fixed list of actions regardless of the situation, nor is it about courtroom procedures or incident-report guidelines.