The Force Options Framework

• Force Options

  An approach to use the force by police is the foundation of most police training in Canada.

  • This approach provides police administrators and judicial review personnel with an objective framework in which to analyse use-of-force situations.
• What are the five distinct force options?

  The five distinct force options are:

  1. Officer Presence
  2. Dialogue
  3. Empty Hands
  4. Compliance Tools
  5. Lethal Force
• Officer Presence


  The mere presence of a police officer may alter the behaviour of the participants at an altercation, thereby enabling control of the situation.
• Dialogue


  Verbal and non-verbal communication skills may resolve the conflict and result in voluntary compliance.
• Empty Hands


  Physical force is used to gain control.
• Compliance Tools


  Equipment or weapons are used to gain control.
• Lethal Force


  The situation requires complete incapacitation of the subject in order to gain control and this one is the only option to reduce the lethal threat.