What type of force is referred to when it is likely to cause serious injury or death?

Deadly force is defined as any level of force that is likely to cause serious injury or death. This type of force is typically used as a last resort in life-threatening situations where an officer believes there is a significant risk to themselves or others. The application of deadly force has strict legal and departmental guidelines, primarily to ensure that it is only used when absolutely necessary and justified.

Less lethal force refers to methods that are intended to incapacitate a subject but not cause permanent injury or death, such as tasers or pepper spray. Physical restraint involves the use of coercive techniques to limit an individual's movement without causing injury, while detention force refers to actions taken to detain or control a person who poses a lower level of risk.

The distinction is crucial in law enforcement, as the use of deadly force involves significant consequences and must be justified under the law and department policy, making it fundamentally different from the other types of force mentioned.