Use of Force and Defensive Tactics Flashcards
7 cards from real DCJS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Use of Force and Defensive Tactics flashcards as text
Which Virginia Supreme Court or legislative standard requires that officers intervene when they witness another officer using clearly excessive force?
Answer: The duty to intervene, codified under Virginia law and DCJS training requirements
Virginia law and DCJS standards impose a duty on officers to intervene and stop clearly unlawful excessive force by a fellow officer.
A suspect armed with a knife advances toward an officer from 30 feet away. The officer should FIRST:
Answer: Create distance, issue clear verbal commands, and consider drawing a firearm if the threat is imminent
Creating distance, issuing verbal commands, and preparing defensive options gives the officer time and space to respond appropriately to an edged weapon threat.
The 'excited delirium' phenomenon is significant in use of force situations because it:
Answer: Indicates a medical emergency that can be worsened by certain restraint positions and requires immediate medical attention
Excited delirium is a medical emergency where certain restraint positions can be fatal; officers must request immediate medical attention when it is suspected.
Under Graham v. Connor, the 'immediate threat to safety' factor considers:
Answer: Whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to officers or others at the moment force is used
The immediate threat factor under Graham focuses on the threat present at the exact moment force is applied, not prior history or events after the fact.
Which of the following is a key principle of DCJS-trained defensive tactics regarding handcuffing?
Answer: Handcuffs should be double-locked to prevent tightening and checked for proper fit
Handcuffs should be double-locked to prevent them from tightening and causing injury, and checked to ensure they are not too tight.
An officer fires a warning shot into the air in a crowded urban area to stop a fleeing suspect. This action is BEST assessed as:
Answer: Generally prohibited because projectiles can fall and injure uninvolved persons
Warning shots in populated areas are generally prohibited because projectiles return to earth and can injure uninvolved bystanders.
What is the purpose of the 'reactionary gap' concept in defensive tactics training?
Answer: The minimum distance officers maintain to allow time to react to a subject's sudden attack
The reactionary gap is the distance an officer maintains to provide enough time and space to react defensively if a subject suddenly attacks.