Use of Force & Defensive Tactics Flashcards

Which factor does NOT affect the reasonableness of force used by an officer under the Graham v. Connor analysis?

Answer: The officer's personal feelings about the suspect

Graham v. Connor identifies three primary factors — severity of crime, immediate threat, and active resistance/evasion — none of which include the officer's personal feelings toward the suspect.

A subject who verbally threatens an officer but makes no physical movement is exhibiting which level of resistance?

Answer: Psychological intimidation / verbal resistance

Verbal threats without physical movement fall into the psychological or verbal resistance category, below the threshold of active physical resistance.

During a struggle, an officer loses control of their duty weapon and the suspect gains possession of it. The officer should:

Answer: Use any available means to regain control or create distance and seek cover

When a suspect gains possession of a duty weapon, the officer's life is in immediate danger and they must take action to regain the weapon or create distance and seek cover to survive.

Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray is most effective against which type of subject?

Answer: Subjects exhibiting passive resistance

OC spray is most reliable against passively resisting subjects; it may be significantly less effective on individuals under the influence of certain drugs like PCP or stimulants.

Which NJ Attorney General directive specifically governs the use of force by law enforcement officers in New Jersey?

Answer: AG Use of Force Policy (most recently updated version)

New Jersey's Attorney General Use of Force Policy governs the lawful use of force by NJ law enforcement, and officers must be familiar with its most current version.

An officer using a baton strike should target which areas of the body when intending non-deadly force?

Answer: Common peroneal nerve, thigh, and upper arm

Trained baton strikes target areas such as the common peroneal nerve, thigh, and upper arm to achieve pain compliance; head, neck, and spine strikes are generally classified as deadly force.

De-escalation tactics should be employed:

Answer: Whenever tactically feasible before resorting to force

NJ Attorney General guidelines require officers to use de-escalation techniques whenever it is safe and tactically feasible to do so in order to reduce the need for force.