When can intermediate weapons be used?

• A. Situations Where Active Resistance, Active Aggression, Or When Lower Forms Of Empty Hand Control Will Be Inadequate Or Unsafe
• B. Only After Verbal Direction
• C. After A Subject Is Restrained
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

Using intermediate weapons is about escalating appropriately within a force continuum. They’re permitted in situations where there is active resistance or active aggression, or when lower forms of empty-hand control would be inadequate or unsafe for you or others. Verbal commands and basic holds are attempted first, but if they don’t stop the threat or if continuing with them would put you at greater risk, a trained responder may use an intermediate device to regain control while keeping harm to a minimum. This approach hinges on training, proportionality, and legal/department policy—apply only what’s necessary and discontinue as soon as control is achieved. It wouldn’t be appropriate to delay escalation until the person is restrained, and saying never is incorrect because there are legitimate, trained scenarios for escalation.