What is one of the deadly force options for assaultive situations?

In the context of law enforcement and use of force, deadly force options refer to methods that can be employed in life-threatening situations, particularly when an officer or civilian faces an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death. O/C spray, often known as pepper spray, is categorized as a less-lethal option but can be considered in the broader sense of force options used by law enforcement during potentially assaultive encounters.

O/C spray works by temporarily incapacitating an assailant through irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, effectively allowing the user to gain control of the situation without resorting to lethal means. It is particularly valuable in scenarios where physical confrontation is leading to a heightened risk of harm, allowing officers to create distance and de-escalate the encounter.

In contrast, physical restraint, compliance techniques, and control holds are primarily used for restraining individuals or controlling a situation without causing significant harm. While these techniques are crucial for managing arrest or detainment situations, they do not fall under the category of deadly force options. Instead, they aim to minimize the risk of injury to both the officer and the subject.