Which tactic involves officers speaking to a person and issuing commands, such as telling them to exit?

• A. Pain compliance
• B. Verbal force
• C. Deadly force
• D. Firm grips

Answer: (B)

Verbal force relies on using your voice to influence behavior and gain compliance without physical contact. Telling someone to exit or to step back is a clear example of this approach—clear commands, confident tone, and deliberate language to set expectations and guide actions. It’s typically the first tool used to de-escalate and reduce risk, because it focuses on communication rather than touch or force.

Pain compliance would involve physical pressure or pain to compel submission, which isn’t about giving commands. Deadly force refers to lethal means, far beyond issuing instructions. Firm grips are a physical restraint tactic, not about using speech to control the situation.