Under which conditions may intermediate weapons be used?

Under which conditions may intermediate weapons be used?

• A. Never
• B. Only After Verbal Direction
• C. Intermediate Weapons May Be Used
• D. Only After The Subject Is Restrained

Answer: (C)

Using intermediate weapons is appropriate when there is a credible, imminent threat and other, less forceful options haven’t resolved the risk. They’re part of a graduated use-of-force approach and are used to gain control while keeping harm to bystanders and the subject as low as possible. Verbal commands and de-escalation should be attempted when feasible, but there are situations where immediate action is necessary to prevent injury. In those cases, trained officers may deploy an intermediate weapon within policy, using the minimum force needed to stop the threat. It’s not a blanket rule that you must wait for verbal direction or for the subject to be restrained first, because delaying in a dangerous situation can put people at risk.

Using intermediate weapons is appropriate when there is a credible, imminent threat and other, less forceful options haven’t resolved the risk. They’re part of a graduated use-of-force approach and are used to gain control while keeping harm to bystanders and the subject as low as possible. Verbal commands and de-escalation should be attempted when feasible, but there are situations where immediate action is necessary to prevent injury. In those cases, trained officers may deploy an intermediate weapon within policy, using the minimum force needed to stop the threat. It’s not a blanket rule that you must wait for verbal direction or for the subject to be restrained first, because delaying in a dangerous situation can put people at risk.