Continuum of Force  

The concept of non-lethal weaponry is not new. Law enforcement has long operated with what is called a "continuum of force." It provides guidance to law officers for selecting the type of weaponry to use in a variety of situations. The continuum normally begins with asking a subject to respond to voice commands. If the subject does not respond, the continuum may advise that the next level of force (in many cases, CAP-STUN) be deployed. Or, if the subject is wielding a firearm, the continuum may advise that lethal force be utilized.

Law enforcement officials have long recognized that a wide and dangerous gap exists in the range of tools available to them. The baton or gun may be either too weak or too strong a response to some situations. Until the introduction of CAP-STUN, many security experts say, no reliable OC or non-lethal weaponry existed for law enforcement.

While law enforcement has long recognized the gap in the force continuum, the concept of a gap is new to the military. As world events have changed the character of conflict, military forces find themselves more involved in peacekeeping and other non-combat operations. Today’s soldier must be equipped and trained for peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance operations, such as those involving U.S. forces in Bosnia, Haiti and Somalia.

In March 1996, The American Defense Preparedness Association (ADPA), an association made up of executives in the defense industry, military leaders, and high ranking government officials, held a conference on non-lethal weaponry in which the chairman of the conference, Dr. John Alexander, said:

"We have engaged in peace support operations. We must therefore provide our soldiers, sailors, and airmen the tools appropriate for these difficult missions. To accomplish their missions, supported by precise and extremely lethal force, they urgently need non-lethal options. These non-lethal systems must be effective, reliable, easy-to-use, and most importantly trusted by the troops."

Use of Force Options 

The Amount of Force used is Based on the Amount of Subjects Resistance

Lethal Force (Firearms)
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Impact Weapons (Batons)
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Defensive Body Tactics (Hand to Hand Combat)
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CAP-STUN
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Passive Control (Escorting Subject)
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Verbal Command (Officers Voice Command)
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Office Presence (Uniform Presence)

 Escalation of force above CAP-STUN can lead to officers and subjects injury or death

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