What is recommended regarding force continuums in policy?

The recommendation to remove force continuums from policy is based on the understanding that these frameworks can often create rigidity in decision-making for law enforcement personnel. Force continuums attempt to outline a linear scale of force responses, which may not reflect the complexities and dynamic nature of real-life encounters.

By removing them, agencies are encouraged to adopt more flexible and context-driven approaches to the use of force. This shift allows officers to assess situations based on totality of circumstances, emphasizing the need for tactical judgment and the application of appropriate force based on the specific risks and behaviors present at the moment. It promotes a focus on the principles of proportionality and necessity rather than adhering to a strict scale, thereby fostering better decision-making in high-pressure situations.

This more nuanced approach is increasingly viewed as necessary to adapt to the complexities of modern policing, ultimately aiming to enhance both officer safety and community trust.