MCOLES Use of Force Principles 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

The officer's subjective intent to harm

Answer

Graham v. Connor uses an objective reasonableness test based on the facts known to the officer, not the officer's subjective intent.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Deadly force to prevent escape

Answer

Deadly force is not justified solely to prevent escape of a non-violent misdemeanor suspect who poses no immediate threat.

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee v. Garner

Answer

Tennessee v. Garner (1985) held that the fleeing felon rule requires an immediate threat to justify deadly force.

Question 4

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:

Accepted Answer

Likely justified because loss of the firearm creates an immediate deadly threat

Answer

An attempt to take an officer's firearm creates an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm, potentially justifying deadly force.

Question 5

The 'reactionary gap' concept in use of force refers to:

Accepted Answer

The distance an officer maintains to allow reaction time to a threat

Answer

The reactionary gap is the distance maintained between officer and subject so the officer has time to perceive and respond to an attack.

MCOLES - Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Practice Test

MCOLES - Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Practice Test

MCOLES Use of Force Principles 2