What term describes the progression of force options from least to greatest intensity used by officers in resisting suspects?

• A. Use-of-force ladder
• B. Continuum of force
• C. Force gradient
• D. Compliance scale

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of how officers escalate or de-escalate force in response to resistance. The continuum of force describes a spectrum of responses arranged from least to most intrusive, covering everything from presence and verbal commands to hands-on control, intermediate devices, and, if necessary, deadly force. The strength of this concept is that it emphasizes proportionality and the ability to adjust as the situation changes, including stepping back to a lower level when the threat lessens. While some discussions talk about a ladder of force, the widely used term in training and policy is continuum of force because it conveys a flexible, ongoing range rather than fixed steps. Other labels like force gradient or compliance scale don’t capture the full decision-making framework tied to proportionality and de-escalation.