What does the term "use-of-force continuum" refer to?

The term "use-of-force continuum" refers to a guideline that establishes the appropriate levels of force law enforcement personnel can employ in response to an individual's behavior. This continuum is designed to ensure that officers respond proportionally to the level of resistance or threat they encounter. It provides a framework for making decisions about the use of force, allowing officers to escalate or de-escalate their response depending on the situation.

This is critical in maintaining accountability and ensuring that force used is justified, necessary, and reasonable in relation to the circumstances. The focus is on using the least amount of force necessary to gain compliance and ensure safety for both officers and the public.

In contrast, other options, such as a series of prison sentences or an inmate rehabilitation strategy, do not relate to the principles guiding the use of force but instead pertain to different areas of criminal justice and corrections. A training program for law enforcement could be related to the use-of-force continuum, but it does not encompass the complete definition of the term.