OPOTA - Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Firearms and Subject Control Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the U.S. Supreme Court case *Graham v. Connor*, the standard for judging whether a law enforcement officer's use of force is excessive is based on:
- The officer's subjective good faith in applying the force.
- The extent of the injuries sustained by the subject.
- An "objective reasonableness" standard from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene. (Correct answer)
- The departmental policy on the use-of-force continuum.
Correct answer: An "objective reasonableness" standard from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.
The landmark case *Graham v. Connor* established that claims of excessive force are analyzed under the Fourth Amendment's "objective reasonableness" standard. This means the force used is judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene at the time of the incident, considering the facts and circumstances, rather than with 20/20 hindsight. The officer's underlying intent or motivation is not the primary factor.
Question 2: An officer responds to a report of a burglary. The officer observes a suspect, who appears to be an unarmed teenager, fleeing from the back of the house. The suspect ignores commands to stop and begins to climb a fence. Under *Tennessee v. Garner*, when would the officer be justified in using deadly force?
- As soon as the suspect begins to flee, as burglary is a felony.
- Only if the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. (Correct answer)
- If the suspect successfully climbs the fence and is about to escape custody.
- After giving a verbal warning that is ignored by the fleeing suspect.
Correct answer: Only if the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.
The Supreme Court ruling in *Tennessee v. Garner* held that using deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing felony suspect is unconstitutional unless it is necessary to prevent the escape AND the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm to the officer or others. The fact that a felony was committed is not, by itself, sufficient justification.
Question 3: An officer is attempting to arrest a subject who is actively resisting by pulling their arms away and refusing to be handcuffed. The officer applies a joint lock to the subject's wrist, causing pain and forcing compliance. Which of the following best describes this application of a subject control technique?
- Deadly force, because it inflicts pain.
- An inappropriate use of force, as the subject was not assaultive.
- A reasonable force option to overcome a subject's active resistance. (Correct answer)
- A violation of the subject's rights under the Eighth Amendment.
Correct answer: A reasonable force option to overcome a subject's active resistance.
Applying a pain compliance technique, like a joint lock, is a recognized subject control method to safely and effectively overcome a subject's active resistance. Given the circumstances (active resistance to a lawful arrest), this action is generally considered an objectively reasonable level of force necessary to gain control and effect the arrest.
Question 4: Under OPOTA guidelines, when is an officer required to complete a firearms requalification program?
- Every two years.
- Only after a discharge of their weapon in the line of duty.
- At the discretion of their agency's chief or sheriff.
- At least once each calendar year. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: At least once each calendar year.
Ohio Administrative Code and Revised Code mandate that Ohio peace officers authorized to carry firearms in the course of their duties must successfully complete a firearms requalification program approved by the executive director of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission at least once each calendar year.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary factors established in *Graham v. Connor* to determine the reasonableness of a use-of-force incident?
- The severity of the crime at issue.
- Whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others.
- Whether the officer had a personal bias against the suspect. (Correct answer)
- Whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.
Correct answer: Whether the officer had a personal bias against the suspect.
The Supreme Court in *Graham v. Connor* outlined a non-exhaustive list of factors to assess reasonableness: (1) the severity of the crime, (2) the immediate threat posed by the suspect, and (3) whether the suspect is actively resisting or attempting to flee. The officer's subjective feelings or personal biases are not part of the objective reasonableness test.
Question 6: During a physical altercation, an officer and a suspect fall to the ground. The suspect ends up in the officer's guard (between the officer's legs). What is the officer's immediate tactical priority from this ground defensive position?
- Immediately draw their firearm.
- Attempt to stand up as quickly as possible, turning their back to the subject.
- Control the subject's arms and posture to prevent strikes and create distance or a better position. (Correct answer)
- Wait for a backup unit to arrive before taking any action.
Correct answer: Control the subject's arms and posture to prevent strikes and create distance or a better position.
In a ground defensive position like the guard, the officer's priority is to control the subject's ability to strike or access weapons. This is achieved by controlling their arms and breaking their posture, which disrupts their base and ability to generate power. Drawing a firearm at such close quarters could be dangerous as it could be taken, and turning one's back is a major tactical error.
OPOTA - Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Firearms and Subject Control Questions and Answers 1
According to the U.S.
Supreme Court case *Graham v.
Connor*, the standard for judging whether a law enforcement officer's use of force is excessive is based on: