CBP / BPA CBP Officer Firearms & Use of Force 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under CBP use-of-force policy, which level of force is considered the MINIMUM necessary before an officer may draw and display a firearm?
- Any verbal non-compliance
- When an officer reasonably believes deadly force may become necessary (Correct answer)
- Only after a physical attack begins
- Only when a supervisor authorizes it
Correct answer: When an officer reasonably believes deadly force may become necessary
CBP policy permits displaying a firearm when an officer reasonably believes the situation may escalate to require deadly force.
Question 2: Which principle guides CBP officers in selecting the appropriate level of force during an enforcement encounter?
- Minimum force doctrine
- Objectively reasonable force (Correct answer)
- Escalation-only protocol
- Supervisor-directed force
Correct answer: Objectively reasonable force
The 'objectively reasonable' standard from Graham v. Connor guides officers to use force proportional to the threat as judged by a reasonable officer.
Question 3: A CBP officer fires a weapon in the line of duty. What is the FIRST mandatory administrative action required afterward?
- Complete a shooting incident report and notify a supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Return to post and file a report within 48 hours
- Surrender the firearm and await reassignment
- Contact the union representative before speaking to supervisors
Correct answer: Complete a shooting incident report and notify a supervisor immediately
CBP policy requires officers to immediately notify a supervisor and initiate a shooting incident report following any discharge of a firearm.
Question 4: Which type of CBP-issued less-lethal weapon delivers a chemical irritant to temporarily incapacitate a subject?
- Expandable baton
- Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray (Correct answer)
- Electronic control device
- Lateral vascular neck restraint
Correct answer: Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray
Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray is a chemical irritant classified as a less-lethal option that temporarily impairs a subject's vision and breathing.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the CBP Use of Force Review Board?
- To prosecute officers who use force
- To review use-of-force incidents for policy compliance and training improvements (Correct answer)
- To determine criminal liability for all shootings
- To assign civil damages in use-of-force cases
Correct answer: To review use-of-force incidents for policy compliance and training improvements
The Use of Force Review Board evaluates incidents to ensure policy compliance and identify training or equipment improvements.
Question 6: CBP policy prohibits which of the following actions when using an electronic control device (ECD)?
- Using it on a combative subject
- Deploying it in drive-stun mode
- Targeting it at a pregnant woman without exigent circumstances (Correct answer)
- Issuing a verbal warning before deployment
Correct answer: Targeting it at a pregnant woman without exigent circumstances
CBP policy restricts ECD use on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, except in exigent circumstances where no other option exists.
CBP / BPA CBP Officer Firearms & Use of Force 1
Under CBP use-of-force policy, which level of force is considered the MINIMUM necessary before an officer may draw and display a firearm?