Under what conditions is pain compliance considered appropriate?

Pain compliance is a technique used to gain control over a subject in a way that minimizes the risk of causing lasting injury. This approach is appropriate in situations where an officer must intervene to manage a subject’s behavior, particularly when verbal commands or other less forceful means have failed. The goal is to achieve compliance by applying a level of pressure that elicits a voluntary response while remaining within the boundaries of lawful and ethical policing.

Using pain compliance effectively requires officers to assess the situation carefully, ensuring that the force applied is proportional to the threat presented and is necessary to establish control. This method is aimed at enhancing officer safety and ensuring the safety of the subject, often in dynamic and potentially volatile circumstances. It emphasizes control rather than punishment, which aligns with the principles of use of force standards that prioritize de-escalation and minimizing harm. Thus, when pain compliance is applied appropriately, it serves as a tactical option that meets the legal and ethical obligations of law enforcement.