DB Replies

Waycee Templet

As law enforcement we are tasked with controlling individuals. This can be anywhere from using proper interpersonal communication skills, to hands on methods such as utilizing hand cuffs. This is a critical and essential task that officers must carry out when on duty. Officers must be trained properly to understand the use of force continuum not only to protect themselves, but also others.

As a current law enforcement officer, I am no stranger to the use of force continuum. This spectrum is utilized to assist in the officer gaining compliance from subjects. The National Institute of Justice gives a good description of this by stating, “This continuum generally has many levels, and officers are instructed to respond with a level of force appropriate to the situation at hand, acknowledging that the officer may move from one part of the continuum to another in a matter of seconds.” (National Institute of Justice, 2009). The types of force on this continuum are as follows, officer presence, verbal commands, hands on control, less lethal, presentation of deadly force, and deadly force. This continuum is very fluid, and officers can go from verbal commands to deadly force in a matter of seconds. That is why understanding this continuum and when to decide the appropriate amount of force is critical. It is important that officers understand that “In practice, the force continuum is not a rigid ladder. An officer may need to escalate or de-escalate their response in a matter of seconds as the circumstances of an encounter evolve.” ( What Is the Force Continuum and How Is It Used?, 2025). To give an example would be this. A subject who is not compliant and is begging to assault an officer. The officer based on the continuum is allowed to use less lethal means to control the subject. These types of less lethal measures would be taser, baton, etc. If the officer has still not got control of the subject and they present a deadly weapon such as a knife or gun at the officer, then the officer is authorized to use deadly force. The reason being is officers will always be one step above on the continuum. So, if a subject is not listening to verbal commands by the officer the officer may utilize hands on methods to control the subject. Just as fast as this continuum escalates it can escalate.

To put this in a biblical worldview, the use of force is a heavy responsibility that officers must bear. Officers must always ensure the preservation of life for themselves, and others is at the forefront of their mind. The bible tends to recognize law enforcement as gods’ servants. They are meant to serve the people and God for the greater good of everyone. We must keep this in mind to ensure and seek to restore peace during these volatile situations.

William Lawhorn

When making contact with a person suspected of committing a crime, officers have a range of control options that follow a use of force continuum. These typically begin with officer presence and verbal commands. Clear communication, calm tone, and confident body language can often gain compliance without physical force. If a suspect resists, officers may move to soft empty-hand techniques such as guiding holds or joint manipulation. If resistance escalates, harder empty hand techniques, less lethal tools, such as pepper spray or a Taser, or physical restraints may be used. The goal is always to use the least amount of force necessary to safely gain control.

These options change depending on the circumstances. Factors such as the severity of the alleged crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat, whether they are actively resisting or attempting to flee, and the presence of weapons all influence the level of force that is reasonable. The Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor established that force must be evaluated based on “objective reasonableness” from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.

Deadly force is authorized only when an officer reasonably believes there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or others. This standard prioritizes the protection of innocent life.

From a Christian worldview, Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities are established by God to promote order and restrain wrongdoing. However, force must be exercised with justice, restraint, and respect for human dignity, recognizing that every person is created in the image of God

Waycee Templet

As law enforcement we are tasked with controlling individuals. This can be anywhere from using proper interpersonal communication skills, to hands on methods such as utilizing hand cuffs. This is a critical and essential task that officers must carry out when on duty. Officers must be trained properly to understand the use of force continuum not only to protect themselves, but also others.

As a current law enforcement officer, I am no stranger to the use of force continuum. This spectrum is utilized to assist in the officer gaining compliance from subjects. The National Institute of Justice gives a good description of this by stating, “This continuum generally has many levels, and officers are instructed to respond with a level of force appropriate to the situation at hand, acknowledging that the officer may move from one part of the continuum to another in a matter of seconds.” (National Institute of Justice, 2009). The types of force on this continuum are as follows, officer presence, verbal commands, hands on control, less lethal, presentation of deadly force, and deadly force. This continuum is very fluid, and officers can go from verbal commands to deadly force in a matter of seconds. That is why understanding this continuum and when to decide the appropriate amount of force is critical. It is important that officers understand that “In practice, the force continuum is not a rigid ladder. An officer may need to escalate or de-escalate their response in a matter of seconds as the circumstances of an encounter evolve.” ( What Is the Force Continuum and How Is It Used?, 2025). To give an example would be this. A subject who is not compliant and is begging to assault an officer. The officer based on the continuum is allowed to use less lethal means to control the subject. These types of less lethal measures would be taser, baton, etc. If the officer has still not got control of the subject and they present a deadly weapon such as a knife or gun at the officer, then the officer is authorized to use deadly force. The reason being is officers will always be one step above on the continuum. So, if a subject is not listening to verbal commands by the officer the officer may utilize hands on methods to control the subject. Just as fast as this continuum escalates it can escalate.

To put this in a biblical worldview, the use of force is a heavy responsibility that officers must bear. Officers must always ensure the preservation of life for themselves, and others is at the forefront of their mind. The bible tends to recognize law enforcement as gods’ servants. They are meant to serve the people and God for the greater good of everyone. We must keep this in mind to ensure and seek to restore peace during these volatile situations.