DCJS Use of Force Principles 3

Question 1

An emotionally disturbed person advances toward an officer shouting incoherently but is unarmed. The officer's BEST initial response is:

Accepted Answer

Use verbal commands and create distance while assessing the threat

Answer

When facing an unarmed emotionally disturbed person, officers should use verbal commands, create distance, and continuously reassess before escalating to physical force.

Question 2

Which concept describes the idea that an officer need not wait until a weapon is pointed at them before using defensive force?

Accepted Answer

Imminent threat doctrine

Answer

The imminent threat doctrine recognizes that officers may act against a threat that is about to occur, not only one already in progress.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'totality of the circumstances' as it applies to use of force?

Accepted Answer

All relevant facts and circumstances known to the officer at the moment force is used are considered

Answer

Courts examine all facts and circumstances known to the officer at the moment of the force decision, not isolated individual factors.

Question 4

A suspect who is handcuffed and secured begins spitting at the officer. The officer may appropriately:

Accepted Answer

Place a spit mask on the suspect to prevent further spitting

Answer

A spit mask is a proportional, non-injurious response to a handcuffed subject who is spitting, addressing the threat without excessive force.

Question 5

Under DCJS guidelines, the use of a chokehold or vascular neck restraint by Virginia officers is:

Accepted Answer

Permitted only as a last resort when deadly force would otherwise be justified under many agency policies

Answer

Most Virginia agencies, in accordance with updated DCJS guidance, restrict neck restraints to situations where deadly force is otherwise justified, given their life-threatening potential.

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

DCJS Use of Force Principles 3