Police Confrontation Policies

When an individual becomes a police officer, he takes an oath to protect and serve the people. Part of that protection can include confrontation with dangerous and violent individuals. Police departments provide specific policies for effective confrontation.

Use-of-Force Continuum

• Police departments across the nation have implemented the use-of-force continuum. This provides an appropriate, in-kind response to escalating violence from a citizen. Police presence may first address the situation without the use of force. Next, the officer verbalizes commands. The officer may increase command intensity, depending on the situation. In empty-hand control, the officer can use grabbing, punching or kicking. In less than lethal situations, the officer can use tasers, pepper spray or a baton to stop someone. Finally, the officer uses a lethal weapon in extreme cases, as a last resort.

Guidelines

• The premise of the use-of-force continuum states that the officer will use the minimum amount of force needed to stop the threat.

Variables

• Factors that can affect the use of force include: federal and state legislation, law enforcement equipment and technology, the training available through the police department and the specific dynamics between the police and the community in the locale.