According to policy, when may officers decide to use a CEW?

• A. Offenders may decide to use CEW only when a subject is resisting actively and physically
• B. CEW should never be used
• C. CEW can be used anytime
• D. CEW is used only when fleeing

Answer: (A)

CEW use is tied to the level of threat and resistance observed. Officers may deploy a CEW when a subject is actively resisting in a physical way because that resistance creates an immediate risk and a need for a less-lethal option to gain control and protect safety. It isn’t a tool to be used whenever possible, nor is it available simply because a subject might flee or because the subject or anyone else wants it. De-escalation and verbal commands are typically attempted first, and the CEW serves as a controlled option when active resistance is present. The other scenarios described—never using it, using it anytime, or only when someone is fleeing—do not align with how use-of-force policies frame appropriate CEW deployment.