The Civilian Use Of Force Continuum: Level III- Seek Assistance

Level III: SEEK ASSISTANCE

Following Threat Assessment, the next level in the use of force continuum is to Seek Assistance.  Once you have determined something is out of place, or out of norm through situational awareness, have determined that there is a threat and have removed any ambiguity in your assessment, you should immediately call for assistance. If you can remove yourself from the situation and fall back to avoidance, then you should do that, and hopefully you will have time to call police, or summons aid from others around you. If you cannot remove yourself from the situation, it is still a good idea to start help your way.

Calling 911, even if you only have the opportunity to set the phone down and keep an open line, is advisable. You want to be sure that you at least announce your location, and to send help.  At this point, it would also be advisable to make sure that the suspect knows that you have called the police and that there is an open line.  This may be enough for you to avoid any further action, or to remove yourself from the situation.  If not, then you will be forced to move toward the next level, which we will talk about in the next article.

If you have missed any of the previous articles, below are links.

Preparation and Avoidance Level I Situational Awareness Level II Threat Assessment Level IV Action Level V Deadly Force

About Mike Darter

Mike was a police officer in Oklahoma City from 1991-2001, and a federal contractor for the DOJ from 2001-2011. During his career, Mike investigated and testified in hundreds of violent crimes, including shootings, homicides, and other violent felony crimes. Mike was involved in a shooting as a police officer and went through a lawsuit from that shooting. The lawsuit was later dismissed, but his experience is what led to the creation of CCW Safe.

Training History and LE Education

• Integrated Ballistic Information System- Basic Training Course (ATF)
• Basic Narcotic and Drug School (OBN)
• Monadnock Expandable Baton Instructor School (C.L.E.E.T.)
• Basic & Advanced Control/ Defensive Tactics Instructor(C.L.E.E.T.)
• Basic Search Warrant Execution School (C.L.E.E.T.)
• Basic Instructor Development School (C.L.E.E.T.)
• Custody and Control Instructor School (C.L.E.E.T.)
• Expandable Baton/ O.C. Gas School (CLEET)

Career Accomplishments

• A Medal of Valor for response to OKC Federal Building Bombing (1995)

Instruction and Teaching Experience

• Instructed over 200 OCPD recruit officers in the Control Defensive Tactics course
• Instructed over 800 OCPD officers (every other year) in the area of Control Defensive Tactics in-service updates