Texas Security Level II Certification Practice Test

What is the lowest level of force in the Use of Force Continuum?

1. Verbal command

2. Soft empty hand

3. Officer presence

4. Uniform presence

The correct answer is: Officer presence

The lowest level of force in the Use of Force Continuum is officer presence. This level includes the mere physical presence of a law enforcement officer or security personnel, which can often be enough to deter potential undesirable behavior or compliance without any physical action. The idea behind using officer presence is that the authority and visible capability of an officer can influence individuals to act lawfully and may prevent situations from escalating to a point where more force is required. While verbal commands also play a role in influencing behavior, they represent a more proactive step beyond mere presence. Soft empty hand techniques require physical engagement, which moves beyond the passive nature of simply being present. Uniform presence, while impactful, refers specifically to the visual indication of an officer's role but does not encompass the broader concept of authority conveyed by the officer being present overall. Therefore, the specifics of officer presence make it the foundational level on the Use of Force Continuum.