What does the 'use of force continuum' refer to?

The 'use of force continuum' refers to a framework that outlines the appropriate level of force law enforcement officers should use in response to a subject's behavior. This continuum is designed to provide officers with a systematic approach to determining the most suitable level of force necessary to safely manage a situation while considering the threat posed by the individual involved.

Each level in the continuum corresponds to various behaviors exhibited by a suspect, ranging from verbal commands to lethal force, depending on the level of resistance or threat encountered. The goal of this framework is to promote effective and measured responses, ensuring that officers employ the minimal level of force necessary to achieve their objectives while protecting the safety of all parties involved.

Considering this context, other options do not accurately describe the concept. Negotiation as a strategy, psychological evaluations, or guidelines for weapons training do not encapsulate the structured response aspect that the use of force continuum addresses, focusing instead on different aspects of law enforcement practice.