What is the most conservative use of force theory?

• A. The escalation model
• B. The minimal force principle
• C. The one plus one theory
• D. The three-step model

Answer: (C)

In use-of-force decisions you want a safe margin so you don’t underreact or overreact. The one plus one approach embodies this by instructing you to apply one level of force beyond the level of the subject’s resistance. This creates a clear, repeatable rule: start with the minimum effective action, and if resistance continues, add exactly one more level of force.

That built-in buffer makes it a conservative choice because you avoid guessing too far ahead or waiting too long to respond, while also not jumping to high-force tactics too quickly. For example, if someone is verbally noncompliant, you stay at or just above that level; if they resist more, you escalate by one level and reassess. This steady, measured progression helps control situations with less risk of both under-responding and overreacting.

Other models describe escalation steps or focus on using the absolute minimal force, but they don’t provide the same fixed one-level buffer, so they don’t offer the same consistent guardrail for conservatism.