Which type of force is used to overcome resistance and must be proportionate to the threat?

Less lethal force is specifically designed to overcome resistance while minimizing the risk of causing serious injury or death. This type of force is employed in situations where an officer must control a suspect without using lethal methods. It is crucial that the level of force used is proportionate to the level of threat or resistance faced. This adherence to proportionality ensures that the response is appropriate for the situation, aiming to de-escalate rather than escalate confrontations.

In contrast, deadly physical force is intended to neutralize a lethal threat and can result in significant harm or fatality. Physical coercion may involve physical techniques to control a suspect but does not necessarily align with the proportionality standard in the same way that less lethal options do. Verbal commands are a non-physical tactic used by officers to gain compliance but do not involve the application of force in a physical sense. Therefore, less lethal force embodies the principle of maintaining appropriate and proportional responses in the face of resistance.