What characterizes a situation that necessitates the use of incapacitating force?

Incapacitating force is used in situations where an individual does not respond to verbal commands and continues to pose a danger to themselves or others. The failure of verbal commands indicates that other means of control are necessary to ensure safety. This is a critical point because it suggests that de-escalation attempts have been made and, despite those efforts, the person is still unresponsive or possibly aggressive.

This context is important because it illustrates the principle that the use of force should always be proportional to the situation at hand. If verbal commands are ineffective, it is reasonable to escalate to incapacitating force to regain control and prevent potential harm. This approach aligns with training and protocols designed to ensure safety for both officers and the subjects they encounter.