NCJ Number
220180
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 76 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 15-20
Date Published
September 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article proposes a new use-of-force model for police officers, the dynamic resistance response model (DRRM), which combines a use-of-force continuum with an application of four broad categories of suspect responses to an officer's commands.
Abstract
The DRRM emphasizes that the suspect's level of resistance at any point in the interaction determines the officer's response. The DRRM places suspect resistance into four categories: no resistance (compliant); passively resistant (fails to follow officer commands and may be verbally abusive); aggressively resistant (attempts to control the officer or another person through physical attacks/restraints); and deadly resistant (suspect attempts to seriously injure or kill the officer or another person if immediate action is not taken to stop the threat). The diagram of the DRRM consists of a triangle with a circle within the triangle at its center. The circle symbolizes no resistance from the suspect (compliance), which is the goal of every encounter. This occurs when the suspect responds appropriately to the presence and verbal commands of the officer. Each corner of the triangle symbolizes one of the suspect's three resistance responses. For each of the three types of resistance responses, use-of-force options are listed. For passive resistance, a firm grip, control holds, or the use of pressure points is recommended. For aggressive resistance, a stun gun, pepper spray, baton, or tactical physical maneuvers are recommended. For deadly resistance, firearms and any other tool sufficient to counter the threat are recommended. Arrows point from each corner of the resistance triangle to the center circle, symbolizing that the use of force should be no more and no less sufficient than is required to gain suspect compliance with appropriate officer commands. 3 figures and 2 notes