What is the purpose of the use-of-force continuum?

• A. To provide officers with a single means of force.
• B. To provide officers with a range of force options and encourage proportional, reasonable responses to threats.
• C. To require officers to avoid any force.
• D. To train only in lethal force.

Answer: (B)

The use-of-force continuum is a framework that helps officers match their response to the level of threat they face. It provides a spectrum of options—from verbal commands and empty-hand controls to less-lethal tools and, if necessary, lethal force—so responses can be proportional and reasonable to the situation. This structure also supports de-escalation when possible and ensures force used is justified by the threat encountered.

If one describes it as the single method of force, or as a requirement to avoid all force, or as training only in lethal force, those descriptions miss the essential idea: the continuum is about having a range of responses and using the minimum necessary force appropriate to the threat.