BSCC - Board of State and Community Corrections Use of Force Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the legal standard established in Graham v. Connor, the appropriateness of a correctional officer's use of force is judged from the perspective of:

Accepted Answer

A reasonable officer on the scene, in light of the facts and circumstances.

Answer

The landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor established the 'objective reasonableness' standard. This standard requires that the use of force be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene at the time of the incident, considering the totality of the circumstances, rather than with 20/20 hindsight.

Question 2

An inmate in the dayroom is verbally refusing a lawful order to return to their cell. The inmate is not making any threats or aggressive movements. Which of the following principles should primarily guide the officer's initial response?

Accepted Answer

Utilization of de-escalation techniques and verbal persuasion.

Answer

California Penal Code and BSCC principles emphasize that officers should use de-escalation techniques and other available resources when safe and feasible. Since the inmate is only verbally non-compliant and poses no immediate threat, the initial response should focus on gaining voluntary compliance through communication, not immediate physical force.

Question 3

Under California Penal Code § 835a, a peace officer is justified in using deadly force upon another person ONLY when the officer reasonably believes, based on the totality of the circumstances, that such force is necessary to:

Accepted Answer

Defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.

Answer

Penal Code § 835a, as amended by AB 392, explicitly states that deadly force is justified only when necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or another person.

Question 4

Which of the following is considered 'unnecessary force' according to California Code of Regulations, Title 15?

Accepted Answer

The use of force when none is required or appropriate.

Answer

California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 3268 defines 'unnecessary force' as the use of force when none is required or appropriate. 'Excessive force' is defined as using more force than is objectively reasonable.

Question 5

An officer observes two inmates suddenly begin to fight in a housing unit. After the officers successfully separate and restrain the inmates using physical force, what is a critical, mandatory next step according to BSCC and CDCR policy?

Accepted Answer

Report the use of force to a supervisor and complete all required documentation.

Answer

California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 3268.1 mandates that any employee who uses or observes a use of force must report it to a supervisor as soon as practical and submit the appropriate documentation before being relieved from duty. This ensures proper review and accountability.

BSCC - Board of State and Community Corrections Practice Test

BSCC - Board of State and Community Corrections Practice Test

BSCC - Board of State and Community Corrections Use of Force Principles Questions and Answers