TABLE 2.

Use of force definitions from the National Consensus on Use of Force

Deadly force a	Force that creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury.
Less‐lethal force a	Force other than deadly force that involves physical effort to control, restrain, or overcome the resistance of another.
Choke hold	Maneuver that restricts the ability to breathe for the purposes of incapacitation; the consensus only allows their use when deadly force is authorized.
Vascular neck restraint	Technique that can be used to incapacitate individuals by restricting the flow of blood to their brain; the consensus recognizes the potentially dangerous nature of these restraints and allows their use only when deadly force is authorized.

^a The consensus report notes that deadly and less‐lethal force cannot be differentiated simply by the technique or tool applied, as many force options may result in death or serious bodily injury, and defines holds and restraints as less‐lethal force.