The Use of Force Model includes which elements?

• A. Excess threat, control tactics, defense tactics
• B. Threat assessment, de-escalation, negotiation
• C. Time, distance, shielding
• D. Authority, compliance, restraint

Answer: (A)

Use of force is an escalating response to threat, moving from addressing the situation with restraint toward physical control, and then protecting yourself if the situation remains dangerous. The three-part sequence—excess threat, control tactics, defense tactics—captures that progression: first you respond to a threat that has become excessive by applying control techniques to regain and maintain safety, and if the threat continues or escalates, you switch to defense tactics to protect yourself and others. This framing helps officers match their response to the level of risk, aiming for the least amount of force necessary at each step.

The other options reflect different ideas: threat assessment, de-escalation, and negotiation describe communication and crisis-management approaches rather than the staged use-of-force progression; time, distance, shielding are safety considerations or positioning concepts rather than a force-escalation model; authority, compliance, restraint describe outcomes or goals rather than the sequence of actions used to manage force.