CBP / BPA CBP Officer Firearms & Use of Force 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a vehicle pursuit, a CBP officer's authority to use deadly force applies under which condition?
- Whenever a vehicle refuses to stop
- When the fleeing vehicle poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to officers or the public (Correct answer)
- When the value of seized cargo exceeds $10,000
- Any time a vehicle crosses back toward the border
Correct answer: When the fleeing vehicle poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to officers or the public
Deadly force during a vehicle pursuit is only justified when the vehicle itself poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.
Question 2: CBP firearms qualification standards require officers to qualify with their issued duty weapon at minimum how often?
- Annually
- Every two years
- Quarterly
- Semi-annually (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Semi-annually
CBP officers are required to qualify with their duty weapon semi-annually to maintain firearms proficiency certification.
Question 3: Which CBP policy concept requires that force options be considered across a continuum from verbal commands to deadly force?
- Force multiplier doctrine
- Use-of-force continuum (Correct answer)
- Threat assessment matrix
- Response to resistance model
Correct answer: Use-of-force continuum
The use-of-force continuum provides officers a framework matching their response level to the subject's behavior.
Question 4: A CBP officer witnesses a fellow officer using clearly excessive force. What is the officer's obligation?
- Intervene to stop the excessive force and report it (Correct answer)
- Wait until the incident ends and report privately
- Defer to the senior officer on scene
- Document the incident but not intervene to avoid liability
Correct answer: Intervene to stop the excessive force and report it
CBP policy requires officers to intervene when witnessing clearly excessive force and to report it through proper channels.
Question 5: What is the standard CBP-issued duty pistol caliber for most officers?
- .357 Magnum
- .40 S&W
- 9mm (Correct answer)
- .45 ACP
Correct answer: 9mm
CBP transitioned its standard duty sidearm to the 9mm caliber, consistent with most U.S. federal law enforcement agencies.
Question 6: When is a CBP officer permitted to use a chokehold or neck restraint?
- Whenever a subject is handcuffed but still struggling
- Only in exigent circumstances where deadly force is justified (Correct answer)
- When the subject is under the influence of narcotics
- As a pain compliance technique for any resisting subject
Correct answer: Only in exigent circumstances where deadly force is justified
CBP policy restricts neck restraints to situations where deadly force would be justified, given their potential to cause death or serious injury.
CBP / BPA CBP Officer Firearms & Use of Force 2
During a vehicle pursuit, a CBP officer's authority to use deadly force applies under which condition?