Defensive Tactics and Use of Force Flashcards

Under Tennessee v. Garner, when may an officer use deadly force to stop a fleeing suspect?

Answer: When there is probable cause that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm to the officer or others

Garner allows deadly force against a fleeing suspect only if he poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury, with a warning given when feasible.

Why do most Ohio agency policies prohibit or strongly restrict warning shots?

Answer: The round can strike an unintended person and the officer remains responsible for every round fired

Every round fired carries a risk to bystanders, and officers are accountable for where each round goes.

Under the Ohio Collaborative standards, when may an officer use a chokehold?

Answer: Only when deadly force would be authorized

Ohio's statewide standard prohibits chokeholds except in situations where deadly force is justified.

When handcuffing a subject, why should the officer check the fit and double-lock the cuffs?

Answer: To prevent the cuffs from tightening and causing injury

Double-locking prevents the cuffs from ratcheting tighter and reduces the risk of nerve injury.

When using an expandable baton on a resisting subject, which target area is generally prohibited unless deadly force is justified?

Answer: The head and neck

Strikes to the head and neck can cause death or serious injury, so they are treated as deadly force.

A suspect accelerates a vehicle directly toward an officer standing in a parking lot. What tactic is emphasized in addition to considering force?

Answer: Moving out of the vehicle's path when possible

Getting out of the path of a moving vehicle is preferred over shooting, which may not stop the vehicle and can cause greater danger.

Which element is MOST important to include in a use-of-force report?

Answer: The specific facts and subject actions that made the force reasonable at the time

Reports should state specific facts and observations showing why the force used was objectively reasonable.