OPOTA - Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Firearms and Subject Control 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:

Accepted Answer

An "objective reasonableness" standard from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.

Answer

The officer's subjective good faith in applying the force.

Answer

The extent of the injuries sustained by the subject.

Answer

The departmental policy on the use-of-force continuum.

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?

Accepted 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.

Answer

As soon as the suspect begins to flee, as burglary is a felony.

Answer

If the suspect successfully climbs the fence and is about to escape custody.

Answer

After giving a verbal warning that is ignored by the fleeing suspect.

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?

Accepted Answer

A reasonable force option to overcome a subject's active resistance.

Answer

Deadly force, because it inflicts pain.

Answer

An inappropriate use of force, as the subject was not assaultive.

Answer

A violation of the subject's rights under the Eighth Amendment.

Question 4

Under OPOTA guidelines, when is an officer required to complete a firearms requalification program?

Accepted Answer

At least once each calendar year.

Answer

Every two years.

Answer

Only after a discharge of their weapon in the line of duty.

Answer

At the discretion of their agency's chief or sheriff.

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?

Accepted Answer

Whether the officer had a personal bias against the suspect.

Answer

The severity of the crime at issue.

Answer

Whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others.

Answer

Whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.

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?

Accepted Answer

Control the subject's arms and posture to prevent strikes and create distance or a better position.

Answer

Immediately draw their firearm.

Answer

Attempt to stand up as quickly as possible, turning their back to the subject.

Answer

Wait for a backup unit to arrive before taking any action.