The Use of Force Continuum is a law enforcement guideline that recommends the level of force based on the situation at hand. There are a number of levels associated with this measure.

Use of Force Continuum Levels

1. 1. Officer Presence
2. 2. Verbal Instruction
3. 3. Non Lethal Force
4. 4. Lethal Force

 
Depending on the seriousness of the threat, the officer may opt to use less lethal methods at forcing suspect compliance. The officer can use variety of platforms to achieve this goal.

Available platforms within the Use of Force Continuum

1. 1. Blunt Impact Projectile
2. 2. Conductive Energy Devices
3. 3. Chemical

Use of Force Continuum Level 3: Non Lethal Force

Conductive energy devices such as the Taser and pepper spray are designed for up-close action on the subject if they are unarmed but threatening. These platforms are used to immobilize the assailant allowing the officers to physically restrain the subject.

In situations where suspects are threatening, such as an assailant wielding a knife or sharp object, they can cause serious injury to an officer in close proximity. Officers need platforms to inflict pain on the subject to force compliance at a safe distance.

Today, officers have a number of options available to them. Most patrol cars in North America are equipped with 12 gauge shot guns in addition to pepper spray and conducted energy platforms.

Bean bag rounds are intended to be less lethal. Although there have been successes, there have been very high-profile injuries and deaths from the use of bean bag rounds. Because of the caliber size and design, there is a high risk of lacerations and body penetration on softer parts of the body such at the eye socket. Bean bag technology failure has resulted in expensive high profile lawsuits in numerous jurisdictions.

The SDI 40mm BIP is significantly safer than shot gun bean bags because of the unique design and caliber size.

The Carbine Option

In order for patrol officers to use the BIP, they need to be equipped with a 40mm launcher. Available options include the use of 7.62 carbines that are equipped with 40mm launchers underneath. In some jurisdictions of north Los Angeles, bank robbery patrol shotguns have been replaced with carbines to increase lethal firepower.

The introduction of carbines allows the officers to upgrade their weapon with a 40mm launcher, without having to invest in a second firearm. This allows the officer to use one firearm with dual capabilities. Even though this sounds appealing at first glance, there is considerable risk with dual-use carbines. During the heat of a confrontation, the officer could forget to switch from lethal to non lethal modes.

SDI management has seen a trend in equipping patrol cars with stand-alone 40mm launchers. We believe this is the best and least risky approach to deploying 40mm Blunt Impact Projectiles. This trend, plus increased public pressure on police forces to use less lethal force, will significantly increase demand for the 40mm BIP. The goal is to reduce risk during the less-lethal stage of the use of force continuum.