Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Practice

What does the "One Plus" Theory imply in law enforcement?

1. Officers should always use the minimum necessary force

2. Officers may need to use greater force than the suspect is presenting

3. Officers should always document the force used

4. Officers must never escalate their response

The correct answer is: Officers may need to use greater force than the suspect is presenting

The "One Plus" Theory in law enforcement suggests that officers are allowed to employ a level of force that exceeds the level being used by a suspect. This principle acknowledges that officers may encounter situations where a suspect is physically resisting or posing a threat, requiring the officer to respond with an appropriate level of force to ensure safety and control. By allowing officers to escalate their response to one level above the force exhibited by the suspect, this theory aims to prioritize officer safety, the safety of others, and the effective management of potentially dangerous situations. In this theory, the focus is not solely on the minimum necessary force but rather on the idea that a decisive response may be required when de-escalation is not feasible. Therefore, it accepts that in certain scenarios, officers might need to act with greater force to gain compliance and secure the situation effectively. This understanding is crucial in training officers on how to make quick and effective decisions in the field.