DCJS Use of Force Principles 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Courts apply an objective reasonableness standard, viewing the situation from the perspective of a reasonable officer at the scene without the benefit of hindsight.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The suspect's prior criminal history known before the encounter

Answer

Graham v. Connor identifies three primary factors: crime severity, immediate threat, and active resistance/flight — prior criminal history alone is not a Graham factor.

Question 3

An officer uses deadly force against a fleeing felon. Under Tennessee v. Garner, this is constitutionally permissible ONLY if:

Accepted Answer

The officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm to others

Answer

Tennessee v. Garner (1985) held that deadly force against a fleeing felon is only justified when the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury.

Question 4

A subject is passively resisting by going limp and refusing to walk. The appropriate level of force is generally:

Accepted Answer

Soft empty-hand control and compliant escort techniques

Answer

Passive resistance warrants only the level of force necessary to overcome it, typically soft empty-hand techniques such as guiding or escort holds.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of de-escalation techniques in use-of-force encounters?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the need for or level of force by stabilizing the situation

Answer

De-escalation aims to stabilize volatile situations through communication and tactical repositioning, potentially eliminating the need for force entirely.

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

DCJS Use of Force Principles 2