What does the principle of proportionality require in use of force decisions?

• A. A response no more than necessary to achieve a lawful objective, prioritizing de-escalation and non-lethal options when possible.
• B. Maximum force to secure obedience.
• C. Force only when there is physical risk to the officer.
• D. Force used should always escalate to remove the threat immediately.

Answer: (A)

Proportionality in use-of-force decisions means the level of force must fit the threat and the lawful objective, and be limited to what is reasonably necessary to achieve that objective. You should seek to de-escalate and use non-lethal options first whenever feasible, moving to higher levels of force only as needed to stop the threat and gain control. This requires continuous assessment of the situation—threat level, suspect capabilities, potential harm to bystanders, and the availability of alternatives—and a preference for the least intrusive means that can accomplish the objective. In practice, if verbal commands or restraint techniques can safely resolve the encounter, they should be used; if force is required, it should be proportional to the danger and not exceed what is necessary to neutralize the threat.