After a stop has occurred, the force used should be

• A. The maximum possible to ensure compliance
• B. No force whatsoever
• C. Force and actions reasonably necessary to accomplish the stop, maintain the status quo, and protect the officer and others
• D. Force to threaten and intimidate

Answer: (C)

The main concept is that force used during a stop must be reasonable and necessary for the situation. After the stop is underway, you should employ force and actions that are reasonably necessary to accomplish the stop, keep the scene safe, and protect you and others. This means use only the level of force needed to gain compliance or control a risky situation, while staying within safety and legal limits. If the subject is cooperative, minimal or no force is appropriate; if there is resistance or threat, apply proportionate, controlled force to maintain safety and complete the stop. Excessive force, no force when safety concerns exist, or force intended to threaten or intimidate would be improper.