Utah Unreasonable or Excessive Force--Standard is a legal standard which outlines the acceptable level of force that police officers may use when dealing with a suspect. It defines the line between reasonable and excessive force, and provides guidance for officers in the field. The standard states that officers may only use a level of force that is proportionate to the level of resistance they are met with. It also stipulates that officers should avoid using force if it can be avoided, and should de-escalate a situation if possible. There are three types of Utah Unreasonable or Excessive Force--Standard: deadly force, less-than-lethal force, and non-lethal force. Deadly force is the most extreme level of force that police officers can use, and it can only be used when an officer has a reasonable belief that the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious physical harm or death to the officers or to others. Less-than-lethal force is a step-down from deadly force, and is typically used when a suspect is considered to be a threat, but is not considered to be an imminent threat of serious physical harm or death. Examples of less-than-lethal force include the use of pepper spray, stun guns, or batons. Non-lethal force is the lowest level of force that officers can use, and it typically involves techniques such as verbal warnings or physical restraint.