The use of force continuum not being used by a majority of taser using cops

 

A use of force continuum is a standard that provides law enforcement officials & security guards (such as police officers, probation officers, or corrections officers) with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation. In certain ways it is similar to the military rules of engagement. The purpose of these models is to clarify, both for officers and citizens, the complex subject of use of force by law officers. They are often central parts of law enforcement agencies' use of force policies. Although various criminal justice agencies have developed different models of the continuum, there is no universal standard model.

This model is adapted from a United States government publication on use of force.[5] It lists multiple tactics in order from least to most severe, but is only a partial model, as it does not give corresponding degrees of subject resistance.

   * Verbal command

   * Handcuff suspect

   * Use wrist/arm lock

   * Use takedown

   * Block/punch/kick

   * Strike suspect

   * Wrestle suspect

   * Pepper spray

   * Use baton

-      TASERS

   * Use firearm
 

The publisher of the blog Stop Taser Torture and Tasered While Black says: Until tasers are outlawed as weapons of torture, Tasers should be placed in between a baton and the use of a firearm. He also says: 'too many times, tasers are used in the place of verbal command, handcuffs and takedowns"

Here is what the Department of justice has to say about The Use-of-Force Continuum:

Source: www.ojp.usdoj.gov

Most law enforcement agencies have policies that guide their use of force. These policies describe a escalating series of actions an officer may take to resolve a situation. This continuum generally has many levels, and officers are instructed to respond with a level of force appropriate to the situation at hand, acknowledging that the officer may move from one part of the continuum to another in a matter of seconds.

An example of a use-of-force continuum follows:

• Officer Presence — No force is used. Considered the best way to resolve a situation.
  
  
  
  
  • The mere presence of a law enforcement officer works to deter crime or diffuse a situation.
  • Officers' attitudes are professional and nonthreatening.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Verbalization — Force is not-physical.
  
  
  
  
  • Officers issue calm, nonthreatening commands, such as "Let me see your identification and registration."
  • Officers may increase their volume and shorten commands in an attempt to gain compliance. Short commands might include "Stop," or "Don't move."
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Empty-Hand Control — Officers use bodily force to gain control of a situation.
  
  
  
  
  • Soft technique. Officers use grabs, holds and joint locks to restrain an individual.
  • Hard technique. Officers use punches and kicks to restrain an individual.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Less-Lethal Methods — Officers use less-lethal technologies to gain control of a situation.
  (See Deciding When and How to Use Less-Lethal Devices. )
  
  
  
  
  • Blunt impact. Officers may use a baton or projectile to immobilize a combative person.
  • Chemical. Officers may use chemical sprays or projectiles embedded with chemicals to restrain an individual (e.g., pepper spray).
  • Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs). Officers may use CEDs to immobilize an individual. CEDs discharge a high-voltage, low-amperage jolt of electricity at a distance.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Lethal Force — Officers use lethal weapons to gain control of a situation. Should only be used if a suspect poses a serious threat to the officer or another individual.
  
  
  
  
  • Officers use deadly weapons such as firearms to stop an individual's actions.
  
  
  
  
  HERE IS HOW POLICE ACT OUT The use of force continuumon the streets and Highways of America