Which statement correctly describes the final stage of the use-of-force continuum?

• A. Verbal commands constitute the final stage
• B. Presence/posture is not part of the continuum
• C. Soft empty-hand techniques precede verbal commands
• D. Lethal force is represented as the final stage in the sequence

Answer: (D)

Lethal force is the final stage in the use-of-force continuum, reserved for situations where there is an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death and no reasonable alternatives remain. The continuum is a progression of responses that starts with deterrence through presence and posture, moves to clear verbal commands, then to non-injurious or less-lethal actions such as soft empty-hand techniques, and escalates to harder techniques or less-lethal tools as needed before resorting to lethal force. Because verbal commands are typically used early, presence/posture is part of the initial steps, and soft empty-hand techniques do not precede verbal commands, the statement that lethal force is the final stage best fits the established sequence.