Law Enforcement Use of Force Principles 5

Question 1

An officer fires a warning shot into the air to scare a fleeing suspect. This is generally:

Accepted Answer

Prohibited by most modern policies due to danger and lack of control

Answer

Most agencies prohibit warning shots because the rounds are uncontrolled and can endanger bystanders.

Question 2

Force used purely as punishment or retaliation against a subject is:

Accepted Answer

Never justified and constitutes misconduct

Answer

Force may only be used to control a subject or protect safety, never as punishment or retaliation.

Question 3

A neck restraint that restricts blood flow to the brain (vascular restraint) has, in many jurisdictions, been:

Accepted Answer

Banned or restricted to deadly-force situations only

Answer

Many agencies have banned or restricted neck restraints, treating them as deadly force due to the risk of death.

Question 4

When an officer points a firearm at a subject, this action is best categorized as:

Accepted Answer

A use of force that must be reasonable and often must be documented

Answer

Pointing a firearm is a seizure and a use of force that must be reasonable and is commonly reportable.

Question 5

Graham v. Connor instructs that reasonableness must allow for the fact that officers often make decisions:

Accepted Answer

In tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving situations

Answer

The Court recognized officers must make split-second judgments in tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving circumstances.

Law Enforcement Practice Test