DCJS Use of Force and Defensive Tactics 2

Question 1

Under Virginia law, which standard is used to evaluate whether an officer's use of force was reasonable?

Accepted Answer

Objective reasonableness from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene

Answer

Subjective standard based on the officer's personal fear

Answer

Strict liability regardless of the officer's belief

Answer

Preponderance of evidence standard used in civil courts

Question 2

When is a law enforcement officer permitted to use deadly force against a fleeing suspect in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Only when the suspect poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to officers or the public

Answer

Whenever a suspect flees to avoid arrest for any felony

Answer

Any time the officer believes the suspect committed a crime

Answer

Only when a supervisor authorizes the use of deadly force

Question 3

Which factor is NOT one of the Graham v. Connor factors used to assess use of force reasonableness?

Accepted Answer

The race or ethnicity of the suspect

Answer

Severity of the crime at issue

Answer

Whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to safety

Answer

Whether the suspect is actively resisting or evading arrest

Question 4

A subject is handcuffed and compliant. An officer strikes the subject twice. This action is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Excessive force because the threat has been neutralized

Answer

Justified as a precautionary measure

Answer

Reasonable because the officer cannot predict future behavior

Answer

Appropriate de-escalation technique

Question 5

Which type of force involves using the officer's body — hands, feet, or knees — to control a subject?

Accepted Answer

Empty-hand control techniques

Answer

Deadly force

Answer

Less-lethal munitions

Answer

Intermediate weapons force

Question 6

What does the concept of 'force continuum' or 'use of force continuum' primarily guide officers to do?

Accepted Answer

Use the minimum force necessary and escalate only as the threat escalates

Answer

Always start at the highest level of force to end confrontations quickly

Answer

Never use force unless a supervisor is present

Answer

Apply the same level of force regardless of resistance level

Question 7

An officer uses a Taser (CEW) on a subject who is passively resisting by going limp. Under most Virginia agency policies, this use of force is:

Accepted Answer

Generally not justified because the threat level does not warrant a CEW

Answer

Always appropriate as CEWs are non-lethal

Answer

Justified because any resistance permits CEW use

Answer

Required before attempting hands-on control