OPOTA Defensive Tactics and Use of Force 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During OPOTA ground defense training, what is the first priority if an officer is taken to the ground?
- Draw the firearm immediately
- Protect the weapon and regain a standing position (Correct answer)
- Wait for backup before moving
- Apply a choke hold
Correct answer: Protect the weapon and regain a standing position
OPOTA ground defense training prioritizes weapon retention and returning to a standing position to reduce vulnerability.
Question 2: What does the term 'de-escalation' mean in the context of OPOTA use-of-force training?
- Allowing suspects to flee to avoid conflict
- Using tactics and communication to reduce the need for force (Correct answer)
- Withdrawing from all high-risk calls
- Arresting all parties involved to end a conflict
Correct answer: Using tactics and communication to reduce the need for force
De-escalation involves using communication, time, and tactical positioning to reduce tension and minimize the need for physical force.
Question 3: Which OPOTA-approved intermediate weapon is primarily designed to deliver a temporary neuromuscular disruption?
- OC spray
- Expandable baton (ASP)
- Conducted energy device (TASER) (Correct answer)
- Handcuffs
Correct answer: Conducted energy device (TASER)
A conducted energy device (CED) such as a TASER disrupts the subject's neuromuscular system to achieve temporary incapacitation.
Question 4: After using a conducted energy device, what should an officer do according to OPOTA protocols?
- Leave the subject until backup arrives
- Immediately approach and handcuff the subject while they are incapacitated (Correct answer)
- Call for a supervisor before approaching
- Administer a second deployment regardless of compliance
Correct answer: Immediately approach and handcuff the subject while they are incapacitated
Officers are trained to immediately take advantage of the incapacitation window to move in and apply handcuffs before the subject regains full control.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'reactionary gap' as taught in OPOTA training?
- The paperwork delay after a use-of-force incident
- A safe distance maintained to give the officer time to react to a subject's actions (Correct answer)
- The gap in legal authority between state and local law
- The time between radio call and backup arrival
Correct answer: A safe distance maintained to give the officer time to react to a subject's actions
The reactionary gap is a distance buffer an officer maintains to allow time to perceive and respond to a threatening action before it makes contact.
Question 6: According to OPOTA training, what is the primary purpose of handcuffing after an arrest?
- Punishment for non-compliance
- Restraint to prevent escape and protect officer safety (Correct answer)
- To signal the end of the use-of-force continuum
- Documentation of the arrest
Correct answer: Restraint to prevent escape and protect officer safety
Handcuffing is a restraint technique used to prevent escape and protect officer safety, not as a form of punishment.
OPOTA Defensive Tactics and Use of Force 2
During OPOTA ground defense training, what is the first priority if an officer is taken to the ground?