An officer is compliantly handcuffing a subject. What is the level of force used by the officer according to the MCOLES subject control continuum?

• A. Compliance controls
• B. Physical control
• C. Deadly force assault
• D. Officer presence/verbal directions

Answer: (D)

When a subject cooperates with being handcuffed, the officer’s force level is through presence and clear verbal directions. This is the lowest level on the MCOLES continuum, where authority is conveyed by stance, demeanor, and concise commands rather than physical techniques. Since the subject is compliant, no physical control or restraint beyond what’s necessary is required, and the situation is resolved with calm, direct instruction and visibility of control.

If the subject had resisted, you would escalate to soft or physical controls and, only if needed, to higher levels. The other options imply applying physical contact or more force, which isn’t warranted when compliance is achieved, and deadly force is never appropriate in a compliant situation.