Use of force continuum

A use of force continuum is a standard that provides law enforcement officials & security officers with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation. In certain ways it is similar to the military rules of engagement. The purpose of these models is to clarify, both for officers and citizens, the complex subject of use of force by law officers. They are often central parts of law enforcement agencies' use of force policies. Although various criminal justice agencies have developed different models of the continuum, there is no universal standard model.


Here are some links that explain the use of force continuum in more detail and have some good charts of the continuum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Use_of_force_continuum

http://www.nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/officer-safety/use-of-force/continuum.htm

http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Aveni/The%20Force%20Continuum%20Conundrum.pdf

http://www.policetest.info/FORCE_CONTINUUM_POLICE_USE_OF_FORCE.htm

http://www.crimedoctor.com/security_guards_2.htm

http://martialarts.jameshom.com/library/weekly/aa021201a.htm

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/files/ric/publications/vilke.pdf

http://www.fletc.gov/training/programs/legal-division/podcasts/hot-issues-podcasts/hot-issues-transcripts/use-of-force-continuum-podcast-transcript.html

http://taseralex.wordpress.com/2008/04/02/tasers-deadly-or-safe/

http://citizenonpatrol.areavoices.com/2010/12/04/week-11-pressure-situations-pressure-points/

http://brillianter.com/tag/less-lethal/page/2/

http://gunfighter1.typepad.com/warrior/2009/12/tasers-the-use-of-force.html