What does "Mechanical Force" refer to?

"Mechanical Force" refers specifically to the use of devices or substances that are employed for control purposes, which are distinct from firearms. This type of force includes non-lethal tools such as batons, handcuffs, or other restraint devices that are designed to help officers manage a situation while minimizing the risk of severe injury or fatality.

This understanding is critical because it highlights the distinction between various forms of force used by law enforcement. While verbal commands may guide behavior, they do not qualify as mechanical force, which requires the physical application of devices or methods to exert control. Similarly, physical force applied directly by officers and high levels of physical engagement pertain to more direct forms of intervention that are immediate and personal, but mechanical force specifically involves the use of aid or tools to assist in maintaining order.