Which of the following is included in Last Resort weapons?

• A. Pepper spray
• B. Neck restraints
• C. Flashlight
• D. Batons

Answer: (B)

Escalation in force rests on using the least restrictive option first and reserving the most restrictive techniques for situations where all other avenues have failed. Neck restraints fall into the Last Resort category because they can rapidly control a dangerous or resistant subject, but they carry the highest risk of serious injury or death. Because of that risk, they require strict policy approval, extensive training, careful assessment, and close supervision, and they should only be used when necessary to prevent imminent harm to the officer or others.

Other tools like pepper spray, a flashlight, or a baton are typically considered earlier steps in escalation: pepper spray provides a chemical deterrent to gain compliance, a flashlight can be used for visibility, protection, or light strikes, and a baton offers a reach-based impact option. These options are generally selected before resorting to a neck restraint, which is why neck restraints are categorized as Last Resort.