Toward a Threat Analysis Model (TAM) of Force

Article summary

Traditional force continua often link an officer’s response to a subject’s level of resistance, which can authorize hands-on force even when resistance presents little objective danger. This research brief advances a threat-analysis model centered on the totality of circumstances and the subject’s ability, opportunity, and apparent intent to cause harm. It explains how a threat focus better supports verbal de-escalation and more discriminating force decisions. For agencies, the model offers a practical framework for revising policy, training, scenario evaluation, and after-action review around necessity and threat rather than resistance alone.