Describe the standard use of force continuum applicable to NYS Court Officers and when lethal force is permissible.

• A. Verbal commands are optional; physical force can be used as soon as possible.
• B. Only lethal force is permissible.
• C. Verbal commands and de-escalation first; then lawful and proportionate use of non-deadly force; subsequent use of force to restrain or protect; lethal force only when there is imminent threat of serious injury or death to self or others and after exhausting lesser means.
• D. Lethal force is always permissible in any threat.

Answer: (C)

The use-of-force continuum for NYS Court Officers starts with verbal commands and de-escalation attempts, followed by lawful and proportionate non-deadly force to restrain or protect, and only after those options have been exhausted and there is an imminent threat of serious injury or death may lethal force be used. The force used must be reasonable and necessary given the circumstances, meaning a reasonable officer would believe it is needed to protect life after lesser means have been tried. This approach aligns with the standard that emphasizes de-escalation first, then proportionate non-deadly force, and only last-resort lethal force when there is an imminent threat.