Choke holds are considered

• A. Deadly force
• B. Non-deadly force
• C. Verbal commands only
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Choke holds are classified as deadly force because they involve constricting the neck to restrict breathing or blood flow, creating a high risk of serious injury or death. In use-of-force policies, techniques that compress the neck carry the greatest potential for fatal outcomes, so they’re treated with the same level of scrutiny and justification as other lethal options. Verbal commands don’t carry this level of risk, and non-deadly force covers lower-risk control methods that don’t threaten life. Therefore, the best answer is that choke holds are considered deadly force.