Which of the following options is considered a less-lethal use of force?

The use of a Taser deployment is categorized as a less-lethal force option because it is designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject without causing permanent injury or death. Tasers work by delivering an electric shock that disrupts voluntary muscle control, allowing law enforcement officers to gain control of a situation with minimal harm. This aligns with the principles of using force proportionately and responsibly, especially in situations where there is a threat but lethal force is not justified.

In contrast, a drawn firearm typically represents lethal force, as it is capable of causing death or serious injury. Physical restraint, while it may not be lethal, can still pose risks depending on the technique used and the circumstances, such as the potential for injury during the application of restraint. A verbal warning, although a critical component of de-escalation, does not involve the application of physical force and therefore does not fit the definition of a use of force.