OIC Use of Force Policies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is generally considered the FIRST step in any use-of-force encounter?
- Physical control techniques
- Verbal commands and de-escalation (Correct answer)
- Display of a weapon
- Requesting backup
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which type of force is classified as 'less-lethal' rather than 'non-lethal'?
- Verbal commands
- Conducted energy device (e.g., TASER) (Correct answer)
- Handcuffing a compliant subject
- Escort grip
Correct 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.
Question 3: Under Oregon law, correctional officers may use physical force against inmates when:
- The inmate is verbally abusive
- The inmate fails to follow an order for the second time
- Force is necessary to prevent escape, injury, or maintain order (Correct answer)
- The inmate is in possession of contraband
Correct 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.
Question 4: What does 'de-escalation' mean in the context of use-of-force policy?
- Retreating from a dangerous situation
- Using tactics to reduce the intensity of a confrontation and avoid or minimize force (Correct answer)
- Calling for backup before engaging
- Switching from lethal to less-lethal options
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which restraint position is prohibited in most Oregon agency policies because of the risk of positional asphyxia?
- Side recovery position
- Seated upright position
- Prone hobble restraint with weight on back (Correct answer)
- Standing handcuffed position
Correct 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.
Question 6: When is a warning required before an officer deploys a less-lethal device?
- Never — warnings give the subject time to react dangerously
- When tactically feasible and doing so would not increase danger (Correct answer)
- Only when the subject is armed
- Only when a supervisor is present
Correct 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.
Question 7: What is the significance of 'totality of the circumstances' in use-of-force analysis?
- It means officers must consider only the final moment before force is applied
- It means all relevant facts and context known to the officer at the time are considered (Correct answer)
- It limits analysis to the officer's prior experience only
- It requires reviewing only the physical evidence
Correct 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.
OIC Use of Force Policies 3
Which of the following is generally considered the FIRST step in any use-of-force encounter?