What is meant by use of force continuum, how can it be problematic, and what is the general structure and function of the dynamic resistance response model (DRRM)?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A use of force continuum basically presents increasing levels or types of force that may be used by the police as an aggressor becomes more physical or violent. Basic “ladder” or “staircase” continuums may be problematic because officers may remain confused despite the policies and procedures accompanying a continuum. Simple continuums also fail to properly represent the dynamic encounter between the officer and a resistant suspect and do not take into account the wide array of tools available to today’s officers. It is for this reason that many departments now require officers to be “objectively reasonable” in their use of force.

The dynamic resistance response model (DRRM) is a new approach to determining the proper use of force that was developed by FBI agents. It combines a use of force continuum with an application of four broad categories of suspects. “Dynamic” indicates that the model is fluid, while “resistance” indicates that the suspect’s level of resistance determines the officer’s response.

Suspects fall into one of four categories: not resistant (compliant), passively resistant, aggressively resistant, and deadly resistant. The DRRM model is a triangle, with compliance at the center and the goal of every encounter. If the suspect’s level of resistance puts him or her at a different level of resistance, the officer’s response, including the appropriate use of force, is designed to move the suspect’s behavior toward compliance (the center of the triangle). The sole purpose of the application of force is to gain compliance.