What does 'opportunity' refer to in the context of the elements of force?

In the context of the elements of force, 'opportunity' refers to the subject's chance to carry out an act. When assessing situations involving potential use of force, understanding opportunity is crucial because it pertains to whether the subject has the ability to act upon their intentions or threats. If a subject has the opportunity, it implies that they are in a position to execute a harmful action, making it essential for law enforcement to evaluate the risk and take appropriate measures to ensure safety.

Opportunity is not about the subject's ability to communicate or the specific environment of the encounter, which are related but distinct elements in assessing the dynamics of a situation. Similarly, while the level of legally permissible force is a vital component of law enforcement protocols, it does not define what 'opportunity' specifically signifies in this context. Focusing on the subject's capacity to take action provides a clearer understanding of the decision-making process during encounters that may warrant the use of force.