Use of Force Policies Flashcards

Which of the following is generally considered the FIRST step in any use-of-force encounter?

Answer: Verbal commands and de-escalation

Verbal commands and de-escalation should be the first response in any potential use-of-force encounter when tactically feasible.

Which type of force is classified as 'less-lethal' rather than 'non-lethal'?

Answer: Conducted energy device (e.g., TASER)

Conducted energy devices are classified as 'less-lethal' because they can cause death under certain conditions, unlike truly non-injurious controls.

Under Oregon law, correctional officers may use physical force against inmates when:

Answer: Force is necessary to prevent escape, injury, or maintain order

Oregon statutes and DOC policy authorize correctional officers to use physical force when necessary to prevent escape, protect persons from injury, or maintain institutional order.

What does 'de-escalation' mean in the context of use-of-force policy?

Answer: Using tactics to reduce the intensity of a confrontation and avoid or minimize force

De-escalation involves using communication, distance, and tactics to reduce tension and resolve situations with little or no force when it is safe to do so.

Which restraint position is prohibited in most Oregon agency policies because of the risk of positional asphyxia?

Answer: Prone hobble restraint with weight on back

Placing a restrained subject prone and applying weight to the back can restrict breathing and cause positional asphyxia, which is why most agencies prohibit this technique.

When is a warning required before an officer deploys a less-lethal device?

Answer: When tactically feasible and doing so would not increase danger

Warnings before deploying less-lethal devices are required when it is tactically feasible and would not increase risk to officers or others.

What is the significance of 'totality of the circumstances' in use-of-force analysis?

Answer: It means all relevant facts and context known to the officer at the time are considered

Courts examine the totality of the circumstances — all facts and context available to the officer at the time — when determining whether force was reasonable.