ABSTRACT
One of the items officers carry with them in some form or fashion is a knife. This tool has been used from cutting seat belts to cutting bandages to almost anything that you can imagine. It is thought of as a tool, but it can also serve as a weapon, if the situation calls for it. As with any weapon at the disposal of an officer, he or she, must be aware of when it is appropriate to deploy it. However, when it comes to the use of a knife, it rises to the very top of the force continuum, right beside that of a firearm, and is meant to be used only in a deadly force situation.
