Law Enforcement Use of Force Principles 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: De-escalation techniques are best described as:
- Tactics to reduce the intensity of a conflict without using physical force (Correct answer)
- Methods to quickly subdue a suspect with strikes
- Procedures for filing a use-of-force report
- Ways to increase the show of force to gain compliance
Correct answer: Tactics to reduce the intensity of a conflict without using physical force
De-escalation involves communication and tactics that lower the intensity of an encounter to avoid using force.
Question 2: Creating distance, using cover, and slowing down an encounter to allow time for de-escalation is known as:
- Tactical repositioning and time-distance-cover (Correct answer)
- Contact and cover doctrine
- The fleeing felon rule
- Pursuit intervention technique
Correct answer: Tactical repositioning and time-distance-cover
Using time, distance, and cover gives officers options and opportunity to de-escalate before resorting to force.
Question 3: When dealing with a person in mental health crisis, the recommended first approach is to:
- Slow down, communicate calmly, and request specialized resources like a CIT officer (Correct answer)
- Immediately deploy a Taser to gain control
- Use loud, repeated commands to assert dominance
- Handcuff first and ask questions later
Correct answer: Slow down, communicate calmly, and request specialized resources like a CIT officer
Mental health crises call for calm communication and Crisis Intervention Team resources rather than rushing to force.
Question 4: An officer deploys a conducted electrical weapon (Taser). This is generally classified on the force continuum as:
- An intermediate or less-lethal force option (Correct answer)
- Deadly force in all circumstances
- Officer presence
- Soft empty-hand control
Correct answer: An intermediate or less-lethal force option
A Taser is typically categorized as an intermediate, less-lethal force option, not deadly force.
Question 5: Positional asphyxia is a risk most associated with:
- Prolonged prone restraint with pressure on the back (Correct answer)
- Verbal commands from a distance
- Use of officer presence alone
- Deploying OC spray outdoors
Correct answer: Prolonged prone restraint with pressure on the back
Holding a subject prone with weight on the back can restrict breathing and cause positional asphyxia, so officers should reposition quickly.
Question 6: After a use-of-force incident where a subject is injured, the officer's immediate priority should be to:
- Render or summon medical aid as soon as it is safe (Correct answer)
- Complete paperwork before anything else
- Move the subject to the patrol car
- Interview witnesses first
Correct answer: Render or summon medical aid as soon as it is safe
Officers have a duty to render or request medical aid for an injured subject once the scene is safe.
Question 7: OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray is most appropriately used against a subject who is:
- Actively resisting but not posing a lethal threat (Correct answer)
- Fully compliant and handcuffed
- A passive observer
- Already incapacitated on the ground
Correct answer: Actively resisting but not posing a lethal threat
OC spray is a less-lethal tool appropriate for active resistance, not for compliant or already-controlled subjects.
Law Enforcement Use of Force Principles 3
De-escalation techniques are best described as: