DCJS - VA DCJS Law Enforcement Use of Force Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the U.S. Supreme Court case *Graham v. Connor*, the standard for analyzing excessive force claims is 'objective reasonableness'. From which perspective must the reasonableness of a particular use of force be judged?

Accepted Answer

From the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene at the time of the incident.

Answer

The Supreme Court in *Graham v. Connor* established that the reasonableness of a use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight. The officer's underlying intent or motivation is not the primary factor; the key is whether the actions were 'objectively reasonable' in light of the facts and circumstances confronting them. [4, 5, 6]

Question 2

An officer responds to a burglary in progress. The suspect flees on foot and the officer gives chase. The suspect, who appears unarmed, trips and falls. The officer catches up while the suspect is still on the ground and not making any threatening movements. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for the officer to take next?

Accepted Answer

Use only the amount of force necessary to discontinue resistance and effect the arrest, which may be verbal commands and handcuffing.

Answer

Virginia DCJS principles emphasize that force should be discontinued when resistance ceases or the incident is under control. [11] Since the suspect is on the ground and no longer resisting or posing an immediate threat, the officer should de-escalate and use the minimum force necessary to safely take the suspect into custody, likely starting with verbal commands and control techniques for handcuffing. [2]

Question 3

Under Virginia Code § 19.2-83.5, which of the following is NOT a required condition for a law enforcement officer to use deadly force?

Accepted Answer

The officer has confirmed the suspect has a prior violent felony conviction.

Answer

Virginia Code § 19.2-83.5 explicitly states the conditions for using deadly force. These include the reasonable belief of an immediate threat of serious bodily injury or death, providing a warning if feasible, and the reasonableness of the actions under the totality of the circumstances. [3, 9] A suspect's prior criminal history is not a required precondition for the use of deadly force in an immediate threat situation.

Question 4

An officer is attempting to arrest a subject for disorderly conduct. The subject is verbally non-compliant but is not making any threatening gestures or physical movements. The officer's partner suddenly strikes the subject in the face. According to Virginia law and modern use of force principles, what is the observing officer's primary duty?

Accepted Answer

To intervene and stop the use of force if it is objectively unreasonable.

Answer

Virginia Code § 19.2-83.6 establishes a duty to intervene for law enforcement officers. If an officer observes another officer using force that is beyond what is objectively reasonable under the circumstances, they have a duty to intervene to end the excessive force, when it is safe to do so. [12] In this scenario, striking a non-threatening subject is likely unreasonable, requiring intervention.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the core factors established in *Graham v. Connor* to be considered when determining the objective reasonableness of a use of force?

Accepted Answer

The severity of the crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat, and whether the suspect is actively resisting or attempting to flee.

Answer

The Supreme Court in *Graham v. Connor* outlined a non-exhaustive list of factors to assess reasonableness: (1) the severity of the crime at issue, (2) whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others, and (3) whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight. [4]

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

DCJS - VA DCJS Law Enforcement Use of Force Principles Questions and Answers