Use of Force Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real MCOLES practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Use of Force Principles flashcards as text
Under the Graham v. Connor standard, which of the following is NOT one of the three primary factors courts consider when evaluating officer use of force?
Answer: The officer's subjective intent to harm
Graham v. Connor uses an objective reasonableness test based on the facts known to the officer, not the officer's subjective intent.
A suspect attempts to flee on foot after a minor traffic violation. Under Michigan law and MCOLES standards, which force option is generally LEAST appropriate?
Answer: Deadly force to prevent escape
Deadly force is not justified solely to prevent escape of a non-violent misdemeanor suspect who poses no immediate threat.
Which legal case established that deadly force may only be used against a fleeing felon when the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm?
Answer: Tennessee v. Garner
Tennessee v. Garner (1985) held that the fleeing felon rule requires an immediate threat to justify deadly force.
An officer is involved in a struggle with a combative subject twice the officer's size. The subject attempts to disarm the officer. At this point, the use of deadly force is:
Answer: Likely justified because loss of the firearm creates an immediate deadly threat
An attempt to take an officer's firearm creates an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm, potentially justifying deadly force.
The 'reactionary gap' concept in use of force refers to:
Answer: The distance an officer maintains to allow reaction time to a threat
The reactionary gap is the distance maintained between officer and subject so the officer has time to perceive and respond to an attack.
When documenting a use of force incident, an officer should report the force used based on:
Answer: The facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time of the incident
Use of force reports must reflect the totality of circumstances known to the officer at the moment force was applied.
In Michigan, an officer who uses force is generally required to:
Answer: Complete a use-of-force report and notify a supervisor
MCOLES standards and most Michigan department policies require prompt supervisor notification and completion of a use-of-force report.