What does the One Plus One Theory state?

• A. A theory that officers can use one step above the force used by the subject.
• B. A theory that officers can use one step above the force used by the subject to gain control.
• C. A theory that two officers must use the same level of force.
• D. A theory that force should always be escalated to lethal force.

Answer: (B)

One Plus One Theory is about escalating force by one level beyond the subject’s current resistance to regain control while using only what’s needed. The idea is to match not exactly what the subject uses, but to step up one level on the force continuum from their current resistance, with the explicit aim of gaining control. This keeps force proportional and minimizes unnecessary harm, aligning safety for both the officer and the subject.

That’s why the best choice describes using one step above the force used by the subject to gain control. It emphasizes not just matching resistance, but elevating just enough to secure control. The other ideas either shift to an inappropriate goal (like equalizing force between two officers), speculate about always escalating to lethal force, or omit the explicit purpose of gaining control.