Response to Resistance​​​

Response to Resistance Philosophy

The Dallas Police Department uses a Linear Response-to-Resistance Continuum as its training model. The Response Continuum is a concept used in incident handling that simultaneously recognizes the level of subject resistance encountered and the level of control required for the situation. It is an overview that does not direct a particular officer on how much control to use in a particular situation. It gives direction in the escalation and de-escalation of resistance and the escalation and de-escalation of control necessary in police incidents. It explains that many variables are involved in situations where an officer must control a subject.

Skillful use of the options identified in the Response Continuum decreases the necessity to respond with physical control techniques and increases the probability of bringing the incident to a successful conclusion. The physical control techniques used may range from the use of handcuffs in an arrest, strikes with an impact weapon, or the use of a firearm. In all cases the Dallas Police Department dictates that only reasonably necessary control techniques are justified. Any use of control techniques above that would be unjustified and the goal of control violated.

Where there is no apparent need to take a suspect into immediate physical custody, officers should utilize tactics designed to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a safer resolution whenever reasonably possible. The use of delaying tactics in order to obtain more favorable physical cover and additional officer presence is encouraged, as long as the safety of the officer, citizens, and subject is not compromised in doing so.

2019 Response to Resistance Map

 


 

​RTR Summaries