A policy that requires officers to use appropriate force depending on the circumstances they confront is called?

• A. Use of force continuum
• B. Mandatory force policy
• C. No-tolerance force policy
• D. Escalation-only policy

Answer: (B)

Understanding proportional force centers on the use of force continuum. This framework guides officers to select the level of force that matches the threat and resistance they face, moving from verbal commands to hands-on control, through less-lethal options, up to deadly force if needed. The key idea is proportionality and reasonableness: use only what is necessary to achieve a legitimate objective given the specific circumstances. A mandatory force policy would require a fixed amount of force in every situation, which can be inappropriate or unsafe. A no-tolerance force policy misframes force decisions by banning appropriate force in context-specific scenarios. An escalation-only policy would force increasing force in every encounter, ignoring opportunities to de-escalate or apply lesser force when appropriate. The use of force continuum best fits the concept of applying appropriate force based on what officers confront.