DCJS Use of Force Principles 4

Question 1

Which type of force is generally considered to be at the lowest level of a use-of-force continuum?

Accepted Answer

Officer presence and verbal commands

Answer

Officer presence combined with verbal commands represents the least intrusive level of force and is typically the first option on any use-of-force continuum.

Question 2

When is an officer justified in drawing and pointing a firearm at a subject?

Accepted Answer

When there is a reasonable belief that the situation may require use of deadly force

Answer

Drawing and pointing a firearm is justified when there is a reasonable belief that circumstances may escalate to require deadly force, even if the trigger is not pulled.

Question 3

A suspect flees on foot after committing a property crime with no indication of violence. Under Garner, can an officer use deadly force to stop the flight?

Accepted Answer

No, deadly force is not justified because there is no significant threat of harm to others

Answer

Tennessee v. Garner prohibits use of deadly force against a non-dangerous fleeing felon who poses no significant threat of death or serious injury to others.

Question 4

What does 'duty to intervene' require of Virginia law enforcement officers?

Accepted Answer

Officers must physically intervene or report when witnessing another officer using clearly unlawful excessive force

Answer

Virginia law and DCJS standards impose a duty on officers to intervene when they witness a colleague using clearly excessive or unlawful force, and to report such incidents.

Question 5

How does the 'reactionary gap' principle inform an officer's use-of-force decisions?

Accepted Answer

It accounts for human reaction time by recognizing that an officer may need to act before a threat fully materializes

Answer

The reactionary gap recognizes the time it takes a human to perceive and respond to a threat, justifying proactive defensive action before a weapon can be deployed against the officer.

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

DCJS Use of Force Principles 4