The judicial system measures the justification for the use of force by applying two broad standards. First, was the officer’s use of control methods initiated by a subject’s resistance, and second, was the level of physical force used by the officer "necessary" and not excessive when considering the type of resistance offered by the subject. In all cases, only "necessary" force is justified. Any force above that which is absolutely necessary is unjustified and considered a criminal act by the police officer.

Officers may use physical force to protect themselves or another from injury or death; to stop potentially dangerous and unlawful behavior; to protect the subject from self inflicted injury; and to effect lawful arrest when a subject offers resistance.

We will introduce officers to the concepts, principles and definitions of the Force Continuum. It must be emphasized again that only minimal force, as described below, is used in those instances where the use of force is required.