What is the dynamic process by which an officer assesses and responds to public safety threats?

The concept of the dynamic process by which an officer assesses and responds to public safety threats is best captured by situational use of force. This term refers to the idea that an officer's response is guided by the specific circumstances and conditions they encounter in the moment. It emphasizes the need for officers to evaluate the context of a situation, including the behavior of individuals involved, the environment, and any potential risks to public safety, in order to determine the most appropriate and proportional level of force to apply.

Situational use of force is crucial because it recognizes that no two incidents are the same, and an officer must adapt their approach accordingly. This adaptability helps protect both the officer and the public by ensuring that responses are tailored to the immediate scenario, which can include de-escalation tactics, verbal communication, or physical intervention, depending on the assessed level of threat.

In contrast, the other options present more static or less comprehensive frameworks. The reactive use of force implies a response only after a threat has materialized, while preemptive force suggests acting before a threat escalates without assessing the situation dynamically. Graded force, though related to proportionality in response, does not capture the need for ongoing assessment during an encounter, making situational use of force the