How many levels are there in an officer's Use of Force Continuum?

• A. 6
• B. 4
• C. 7
• D. 5

Answer: (A)

The Use of Force Continuum is a step-by-step guide that helps an officer match their response to the level of threat, progressing from non-physical presence to the most serious option. In this common framework, there are six levels, arranged from least to most intrusive. You start with simply being present and issuing verbal commands to deter and gain compliance. If that doesn’t work, you move to empty-hand control techniques to gain control without weapons. Next come the use of less-lethal tools or intermediate actions, such as spray or other compliant tools, followed by more assertive, yet non-lethal, methods. The final level is deadly force, used only when there is an imminent and otherwise unavoidable threat to the officer or others. This six-level structure provides a clear, proportional path for decision-making, helping officers escalate or de-escalate based on the situation and threat they face. While some agencies teach different numbers of levels, the six-level model is a common standard in many training programs.