What is the purpose of the Use of Force Continuum?

The purpose of the Use of Force Continuum is to guide appropriate levels of force employed by law enforcement or military personnel in various situations. It establishes a framework that delineates different levels of responsiveness that correspond to the behavior of a subject. This ensures that force is applied in a measured and justifiable manner.

By providing clearly defined ranges of force based on the threat level, the Use of Force Continuum helps personnel make informed decisions that promote de-escalation when appropriate and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. It is crucial for training and operational protocols, aiming to provide clear expectations on how to respond to varying degrees of resistance or threat.

Operational readiness, equipment reliability, and regulating personnel behavior are important aspects of overall military or law enforcement operations but do not directly relate to the specific aim of influencing how force should be applied in interactions with subjects. Therefore, understanding and effectively using the Use of Force Continuum is foundational for maintaining safety, accountability, and proper engagement in potentially volatile situations.