In a scenario that requires immediate incapacitation, which level of control is appropriate?

The choice of deadly force is appropriate in scenarios that demand immediate incapacitation because it is necessary to prevent serious harm to yourself or others when all other options have been exhausted or are insufficient. The context in which deadly force is justified often involves a significant threat to life or the potential for serious bodily injury. Officers are trained to assess the level of threat and respond accordingly; when faced with an imminent threat, the use of deadly force becomes a lawful and necessary option.

In contrast, other levels of control such as hard-empty hand control, soft-empty hand control, and intermediate weapons are designed for situations where the threat does not warrant lethal intervention. These options focus on managing an individual through physical techniques or tools that can incapacitate without resulting in serious or fatal injury. Being able to differentiate when to escalate the level of force is a critical component of responsible use of force training. The decision to utilize deadly force reflects a recognition of the severity of the situation and the urgency required to protect lives.