Use of Force

How and when officers may lawfully use physical force.

Use of force policy explains when officers may use physical, intermediate, or deadly force and what standards apply. It usually covers force options, decision making, proportionality, reporting, and post-incident review. For promotion prep, focus on definitions of levels of force, the decision standard (such as objective reasonableness), reporting thresholds, supervisor responsibilities, and documentation requirements.

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Policy topics like this often show up on written exams and oral boards. The LEO study platform helps you build a structured plan, revisit weak areas, and connect this topic to supervision, discipline, and real scenarios.

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