DCJS Use of Force and Defensive Tactics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of de-escalation techniques in law enforcement encounters?
- To delay officers from responding to dangerous situations
- To reduce the need for force by calming situations through communication and tactical positioning (Correct answer)
- To ensure suspects have time to flee
- To replace all physical force options with verbal commands only
Correct answer: To reduce the need for force by calming situations through communication and tactical positioning
De-escalation uses communication, time, and tactical positioning to reduce tension and minimize the need for physical force.
Question 2: An officer is being choked by a subject and cannot reach their firearm. Which defensive tactic is MOST appropriate as an immediate response?
- Verbally warn the subject three times before taking action
- Apply a defensive counter-technique to break the choke and create distance (Correct answer)
- Wait for backup before responding physically
- Draw and deploy pepper spray as the first option
Correct answer: Apply a defensive counter-technique to break the choke and create distance
When an officer faces an imminent threat such as being choked, immediate physical counter-techniques to break the hold and create distance are appropriate.
Question 3: Under Virginia DCJS standards, officers must report use of force incidents primarily to:
- Only report if the subject is injured
- The officer's chain of command and in the department's use of force reporting system (Correct answer)
- The Virginia Attorney General's office directly
- Only the media when required by public information laws
Correct answer: The officer's chain of command and in the department's use of force reporting system
Virginia officers are required to report use of force incidents through their agency's chain of command and documentation systems.
Question 4: A positional asphyxia risk is MOST associated with which restraint situation?
- Handcuffing behind the back while subject stands
- Placing a restrained subject face-down with weight applied to the back (Correct answer)
- Using wrist locks to escort a compliant subject
- Applying a wrist restraint to the front of the body
Correct answer: Placing a restrained subject face-down with weight applied to the back
Positional asphyxia is a risk when a restrained subject is left face-down (prone) with pressure on the back, restricting the ability to breathe.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes 'less-lethal' force options?
- Force options that are guaranteed not to cause death under any circumstances
- Force options designed to achieve compliance with reduced likelihood of death or serious injury compared to firearms (Correct answer)
- Force options that require a court order before deployment
- Force options only available to SWAT units
Correct answer: Force options designed to achieve compliance with reduced likelihood of death or serious injury compared to firearms
Less-lethal options are designed to achieve compliance with a reduced — but not eliminated — risk of death or serious injury compared to conventional firearms.
Question 6: When an officer draws their firearm but does not fire, this action is classified as:
- No force at all since no shot was fired
- Deadly force because a firearm was presented
- Display of force or show of force, below the deadly force threshold (Correct answer)
- Excessive force requiring immediate review
Correct answer: Display of force or show of force, below the deadly force threshold
Drawing and displaying a firearm without firing is classified as a show or display of force and is below the deadly force threshold, though it must still be justified.
Question 7: After using force, what is an officer's FIRST priority once the scene is safe?
- Write the use of force report
- Provide or summon emergency medical attention for any injured person (Correct answer)
- Notify the media liaison
- Collect evidence before contacting medical personnel
Correct answer: Provide or summon emergency medical attention for any injured person
Once the scene is safe, the officer's first priority is to provide or summon emergency medical care for anyone injured, including the subject.
DCJS Use of Force and Defensive Tactics 3
What is the primary purpose of de-escalation techniques in law enforcement encounters?