What defines the leverage principle in the context of controlling a subject?

The leverage principle in the context of controlling a subject centers around using a greater amount of force or an advantageous position to overcome resistance. It emphasizes the idea that an officer can apply more effective control by using techniques that exploit the differences in strength, size, or position between the officer and the subject. Essentially, the principle recognizes that by applying appropriate levels of force relative to the resistance encountered, an officer can maintain control while ensuring the situation remains safe and controlled.

In this context, the idea of using greater force against a weaker resistance directly encapsulates the essence of the leverage principle. It is about optimizing the means at one's disposal to gain an upper hand, ensuring both the safety of the officer and the subject involved.

The other options, while touching on related concepts, do not correctly capture the essence of the leverage principle as it pertains to physical control. One option suggests relying solely on physical strength, which undermines the strategic application of various techniques that don’t solely depend on sheer strength. Emotional techniques and psychological approaches, while valid in other contexts, do not address the physicality of controlling an individual where leverage is most clearly demonstrated through the application of strength relative to resistance.