An officer points his gun and shoots at a subject. What is the level of force used?

• A. Verbal commands
• B. Deadly force
• C. Lesser force
• D. Intermediate controls

Answer: (B)

The action described represents deadly force. Firearms are lethal weapons, and firing at a person creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm, which is the highest level of force used in the force continuum. Verbal commands, lesser force, or intermediate controls do not apply here because the act involves discharging a weapon with the potential to cause serious harm. Even if the shot doesn’t strike the subject, the use of a firearm is considered deadly force due to its capability to cause great harm.