Which type of force is defined as being not likely to cause serious injury or death?

The correct answer is less-lethal force. This type of force encompasses methods and tools that are designed to incapacitate a subject without causing serious bodily harm or death. Less-lethal options may include tools such as tasers, bean bag rounds, or chemical sprays. The primary intention of using less-lethal force is to subdue individuals while minimizing the potential for serious injury, making them an appropriate choice in situations where greater physical force is unnecessary.

Physical force, while it can include a range of techniques from soft to hard control, does not inherently imply a reduced likelihood of causing serious injury or death. Deadly weapon refers specifically to items that are likely to result in significant injury or fatality; these should be reserved for situations where there is an imminent threat to life. Chokeholds and neck restraints, depending on their application, can also pose a significant risk of serious injury or death, thus making them less likely to fall into the category of force that is truly less-lethal. Understanding the distinctions between these types of force is essential for law enforcement in decision-making processes regarding appropriate use of force.