What level of control is justified when lower forms of empty-hand tactics have failed?

When lower forms of empty-hand tactics have failed, the justified response is to move to an intermediate weapon level of control. This approach is designed to escalate the response appropriately based on the level of resistance encountered.

Using an intermediate weapon typically includes tools such as batons, pepper spray, or other non-lethal options that introduce additional levels of force to gain compliance without resorting to lethal measures. This is crucial in law enforcement and security, where the goal is to manage situations effectively and protect both the officer and the subject involved.

The escalation to intermediate weapons is warranted when lower levels, such as soft-empty hand tactics (which focus on control through technique and body positioning) and hard-empty hand tactics (which involve more aggressive physical control methods), are ineffective. The use of deadly force, while sometimes legally justified, is reserved for life-threatening situations and is typically considered a last resort. Therefore, transitioning to intermediate weapons strikes a critical balance between the need for control and minimizing potential harm.