When dealing with an aggressive situation, you should:

• A. Apply the level of force appropriate to the level of aggression
• B. De-escalate and call for backup
• C. Ignore it
• D. Escalate immediately to force

Answer: (A)

Dealing with aggression is about a proportional response. The best approach is to match your level of force to the threat you’re facing, using only the minimum amount needed to safely stop the aggression. This principle, often called the force continuum, guides you to start with de-escalation and backup, and then only escalate to physical intervention to the extent required. By keeping the response proportional, you protect yourself and others, reduce the chance of unnecessary harm, and stay within legal and policy guidelines. Ignoring the situation, or escalating to force immediately without assessment, or focusing solely on de-escalation without having a plan for when force becomes necessary, all fail to balance safety and restraint the way proportional force does.