Which of the following is a deadly force example?

• A. eye gouges
• B. verbal commands
• C. intense light exposure
• D. restraint with a compliant subject

Answer: (A)

Deadly force is any force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. Eye gouges fit this description because attacking the eyes can cause permanent vision loss, severe orbital or brain injuries, or even death. The risk is significant and not easily mitigated by technique, so it’s treated as deadly force in training. Verbal commands involve no physical harm. Intense light exposure might momentarily disorient or distract, but it doesn’t inherently carry a high likelihood of death or serious injury. Restraining a cooperative subject is non-deadly and lowers risk. So, eye gouges are the deadly force example.