What is an example of a chemical level of force?

Using pepper spray is considered an example of a chemical level of force because it involves the use of a chemical agent to incapacitate a subject. Pepper spray is designed to cause temporary blindness, difficulty breathing, and discomfort, which serves to deter or control an individual without relying on physical strength or direct confrontation. This method is often used in situations where law enforcement needs to subdue a potentially dangerous person while minimizing the risk of injury to both the officer and the suspect.

In contrast, apprehending a suspect refers to the physical act of detaining an individual, which typically involves physical force rather than a chemical agent. Employing verbal commands relies on communication and persuasion, not on any physical intervention or chemical substance. Utilizing physical restraint involves direct physical contact and control over an individual, which also differs from the use of chemical means to affect behavior. These methods represent different levels and types of force used in law enforcement, where each has its own appropriate context and application.