ISSUE 183 : Nov/Dec - 2010 - Australian Defence Force Journal

Higher on the continuum would come munitions which cause physical discomfort but fall shortof inflicting trauma. Examples would include ‘flash-bangs’, tear gas, pepper spray and the like.Although the discomfort or injury may be substantially less than from a caltrop or concertinawire, the employment of these options requires a decision to intervene and are thus subjectto the idiosyncrasies of the individual employing them. Still higher on the continuum aremunitions that inflict trauma. Examples might include batons, saps, sting-balls, bean bags,pellet munitions and so forth. They are generally the point on the force continuum whichseparates non-lethal from deadly force.Highest on the spectrum are lethal options. Although the particular conditions which meritdeadly force should be identified, lethal options should always be regarded as part of the forcecontinuum and not as a separate option altogether. This avoids ambiguity and confusion as towhen they are authorised. Many situations rapidly evolve from less dangerous circumstancesbefore requiring deadly force to resolve. An individual who is free to employ a variety ofoptions is more likely to be proactive, retain the initiative and be quicker to recognisesituations requiring deadly force than one compelled to examine a situation isolated by either/or parameters.In the latter stages of World War 2, US President Roosevelt stated that ‘peace, like war, cansucceed only where there is a will to enforce it and where there is available power to enforceit’. 16 Making peace is a more noble calling than making war but it is not an easy pursuit. Theroad to peace more closely resembles a Möbius strip 17 ; twisted, never ending and somewhatmysterious. Likewise, the ‘peace warriors’ must be imaginative, adaptable and prudent. Whenthe battles are riots and the adversaries are mobs, Athena’s champions are better qualifiedthan Mars’ warriors.Charles ‘Sid’ Heal retired as a Commander from the Los Angeles Sheriff ’s Department in 2008,after nearly 33 years of service, more than half of which was spent in units charged withhandling law enforcement and emergency operations. In addition, he recently retired from theMarine Corps Reserve after 35 years and four tours of combat. He is the author of ‘SoundDoctrine’ and more than 100 articles on law enforcement subjects. He holds a Bachelor’s degreein Police Science from California State University, a Master’s degree in Public Administrationfrom the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree in Management fromCalifornia Polytechnic University. He is also a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and theCalifornia Command College.75