In The Precinct, players are tasked with restoring order to a city plagued by crime, chaos, and corruption in a noir, 1980s setting. As an officer of the law, it's not always about who draws faster but who resolves a situation with control, professionalism, and precision. Using non-lethal force is more than a tactical option, and it's necessary to progress in the game.

Whether patrolling streets, clearing a building, or chasing down a suspect, using non-lethal methods ensures conflicts are resolved as peacefully as possible. Players will earn the most XP and save themselves from reloading automatically if they avoid lethal actions, so here's how to use non-lethal and restraining force in The Precinct.

the precinct key art
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How to Use Non-Lethal Force in The Precinct

The Precinct Tackling a Suspect

The Precinct takes players to a city called Averno as Nick Cordell Jr., an aspiring new police officer following in his father's footsteps. Non-lethal force reflects the principles of modern policing and is often required to complete objectives cleanly. Excessive or lethal force can result in penalties such as XP loss in many missions.

Many crimes can be stopped simply by players making themselves known to the offenders. The game narrows in when a crime is happening within eyesight, and players can approach the scene. Some criminals can be subdued with a verbal warning. Then, players will see the crime and the amount of force they should use:

  • No Force
  • Restraining
  • Non-Lethal
  • Lethal

Players can call in an escort unit upon arrest when they catch a suspect.

The Precinct Verbal Commands

Giving a verbal command just as a suspect pauses or shows hesitation greatly increases the chance of surrender. Don't spam the command; wait for the right moment.

Players start the game with three item slots, unlocking a fourth later. They can switch between firearms and non-lethal weapons by visiting the precinct's Armory, but officers are equipped with a small range of non-lethal tools. Dedicating at least one spot to a non-lethal weapon is recommended.

All Non-Lethal Weapons

Non-Lethal Weapons

Description

TZ1 Electronic Stun Gun

An innovative prototype capable of delivering 50,000 bolts to a determined attacker at close range.

PR-24 Police Baton

Invaluable for maintaining control, enforcing authority, and quickly restoring order.

Non-lethal weapons are highlighted in dark orange, so players know which weapons they can use to avoid unnecessary deaths. This is especially useful when foot patrolling areas where firearms may pose a risk to bystanders or when facing suspects who are resisting arrest but not actively threatening lives.

When to Use Non-Lethal Force in The Precinct

The Precinct Non-lethal force

In The Precinct, non-lethal force isn't just about what tools players carry; it's about how they read the situation. Firing a weapon in crowded areas can cause panic or unintended injuries. Non-lethal force ensures safety while maintaining control. Additionally, littering or vandalism doesn't justify lethal responses, so these are ideal opportunities for a clean takedown. Tasers, batons, and verbal warnings can end a pursuit without harm to anyone involved. To make the most of non-lethal options, keep the following in mind:

  • Use Cover: Approaching a suspect from behind or a position of strength increases the chance of success.
  • Isolate Targets: Separate aggressive suspects from crowds before engaging. Suspects may also take hostages if they decide to escalate to lethal force, so be wary of civilians in the area.
  • Switch Loadouts: Customize gear before missions. If expecting a low-threat environment, prioritize non-lethal tools.

Suspects who run can be tackled when close enough, so don't pull out a lethal weapon unless they start firing first. The game will update the force required based on the suspects' actions, so pay attention to what they do. Suspects may surrender after pulling a weapon, and players will get penalized if they shoot them anyway.

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The Precinct Tag Page Cover Art
The Precinct
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Released
May 13, 2025
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Genre(s)
Indie Games, Simulation, Shooter, Adventure
Platform(s)
PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S