DPSST DPSST Defensive Tactics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under DPSST use-of-force guidelines, which principle requires that the level of force used be matched to the threat level presented by a subject?
- Proportionality (Correct answer)
- Totality
- Immediacy
- Necessity
Correct answer: Proportionality
Proportionality requires officers to match the level of force to the threat actually presented by the subject.
Question 2: Which DPSST-recognized control technique is designed to gain compliance through pain without causing injury, using pressure on nerve points?
- Pain compliance (Correct answer)
- Hard empty-hand control
- Deadly force
- Takedown
Correct answer: Pain compliance
Pain compliance techniques use nerve point pressure to gain voluntary compliance while minimizing injury risk.
Question 3: In DPSST training, the 'reactionary gap' refers to the minimum distance an officer should maintain to:
- React to a sudden attack from a subject (Correct answer)
- Complete paperwork after an incident
- Request backup before engaging
- Identify themselves verbally
Correct answer: React to a sudden attack from a subject
The reactionary gap is the distance needed to perceive and respond to a sudden physical attack.
Question 4: According to DPSST standards, when is the use of a carotid restraint (neck restraint) generally authorized?
- When a subject is actively resisting and poses a threat of serious injury (Correct answer)
- Whenever a subject refuses a verbal command
- As a first response to non-compliance
- Only during arrest of violent felons outdoors
Correct answer: When a subject is actively resisting and poses a threat of serious injury
The carotid restraint is authorized under DPSST standards when a subject is actively resisting and poses a threat of serious injury.
Question 5: DPSST's use-of-force continuum includes which of the following as the lowest level of force?
- Officer presence (Correct answer)
- Verbal commands
- Soft empty-hand control
- OC spray
Correct answer: Officer presence
Officer presence is the lowest level on the use-of-force continuum, as simply being there may gain compliance.
Question 6: After any use of force, DPSST policy requires officers to:
- Document the incident in a use-of-force report (Correct answer)
- Request administrative leave immediately
- Contact the district attorney before filing any report
- Conduct a citizen interview before completing any paperwork
Correct answer: Document the incident in a use-of-force report
DPSST policy requires officers to document all uses of force in a written report to ensure accountability.
DPSST DPSST Defensive Tactics 1
Under DPSST use-of-force guidelines, which principle requires that the level of force used be matched to the threat level presented by a subject?