CPI Use of Force Policies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under a typical use of force continuum, which level of force is appropriate when a subject is passively resistant but not physically threatening?
- Deadly force
- Soft empty-hand control techniques (Correct answer)
- Impact weapons
- Chemical agents
Correct answer: Soft empty-hand control techniques
Passive resistance calls for soft empty-hand control such as escort holds or compliance techniques, not escalated force.
Question 2: Which legal standard established by the U.S. Supreme Court governs whether an officer's use of force was constitutional?
- Subjective reasonableness
- Objective reasonableness (Correct answer)
- Probable cause standard
- Preponderance of evidence
Correct answer: Objective reasonableness
Graham v. Connor (1989) established the objective reasonableness standard, evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a written use of force policy in an agency or organization?
- To minimize paperwork after incidents
- To provide legal immunity to all personnel
- To establish guidelines ensuring force is lawful, necessary, and proportional (Correct answer)
- To authorize unlimited discretion to officers
Correct answer: To establish guidelines ensuring force is lawful, necessary, and proportional
A written use of force policy guides personnel to apply force that is lawful, necessary, and proportional to the threat presented.
Question 4: Which factor is NOT typically considered when evaluating whether use of force was reasonable?
- Severity of the crime at issue
- Whether the subject posed an immediate threat
- The officer's personal feelings about the subject (Correct answer)
- Whether the subject was actively resisting
Correct answer: The officer's personal feelings about the subject
Graham v. Connor factors focus on objective circumstances, not an officer's personal feelings or biases.
Question 5: When documenting a use of force incident, an inspector reviewing reports should verify that the narrative includes which of the following?
- Only the final outcome of the encounter
- Specific behaviors that justified each level of force used (Correct answer)
- General statements that force was necessary
- A summary of the officer's career history
Correct answer: Specific behaviors that justified each level of force used
A complete use of force report must articulate the specific subject behaviors that justified each escalation level.
Question 6: Which term describes a policy that requires officers to use the least amount of force necessary to achieve a lawful objective?
- Force mitigation policy
- Minimal force doctrine
- Proportionality requirement (Correct answer)
- De-escalation mandate
Correct answer: Proportionality requirement
The proportionality requirement directs that force used must be commensurate with the threat and no greater than necessary.
Question 7: An inspector reviewing a department's use of force policy finds it lacks a requirement to render aid after a use of force incident. This is best classified as:
- A minor administrative gap with no consequences
- A critical policy deficiency that may violate constitutional standards (Correct answer)
- Standard practice requiring no correction
- An optional recommendation only
Correct answer: A critical policy deficiency that may violate constitutional standards
Failure to render aid after applying force may constitute deliberate indifference and violate the Fourteenth Amendment.
CPI Use of Force Policies 2
Under a typical use of force continuum, which level of force is appropriate when a subject is passively resistant but not physically threatening?