What is a potential advantage of having both lethal and non-lethal force options available?

Having both lethal and non-lethal force options available provides officers with significant flexibility based on the threat level they are facing. This flexibility ensures that law enforcement personnel can choose an appropriate response that balances the need to protect themselves and others while also considering the level of threat presented by the situation.

For instance, in scenarios where the threat is low or moderate, non-lethal options might be sufficient to de-escalate a situation without causing permanent harm. Conversely, in high-threat situations where there is an immediate and serious risk to life, lethal options may be warranted. This ability to adapt to various scenarios allows officers to make more informed decisions that can potentially save lives and reduce injuries for both the officer and the individual involved.

The inclusion of both types of force allows for a graduated response to threats, promoting the idea of using the minimum necessary force to achieve safety and compliance. This principle aligns with best practices in law enforcement and helps foster community trust by demonstrating a commitment to using the least harmful options whenever feasible.