Defensive Tactics and Use of Force Flashcards

In OPOTA training, 'soft empty-hand control' includes which of the following techniques?

Answer: Guiding, escort holds, and come-along techniques

Soft empty-hand control uses guiding, escort holds, and come-along techniques that minimize injury risk while achieving compliance.

Under Graham v. Connor, which three factors are central to evaluating use of force by police?

Answer: Severity of crime, immediate threat, and active resistance or flight

Graham v. Connor established that courts evaluate force based on the severity of the crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat, and whether the suspect is actively resisting or fleeing.

What is the recommended OPOTA practice following any use-of-force incident?

Answer: Complete a use-of-force report and notify a supervisor

OPOTA requires officers to complete a use-of-force report and notify a supervisor after every use-of-force incident regardless of injury.

Which condition makes a choke hold or neck restraint particularly dangerous according to OPOTA training?

Answer: When combined with positional asphyxia risk factors such as prone restraint

Neck restraints combined with prone positioning create a risk of positional asphyxia, significantly increasing the danger of serious injury or death.

What does OPOTA training require an officer to do if a subject stops resisting during a use-of-force encounter?

Answer: Immediately de-escalate and reduce force to match the current threat level

Officers must continuously reassess and immediately de-escalate force when resistance stops, applying only the force needed to control the current threat.

In OPOTA firearms retention training, which movement is taught to protect an officer's holstered weapon from being grabbed?

Answer: Rotating the gun side away and using the support hand to break the grab

Weapon retention training teaches officers to rotate the holstered weapon away from an attacker and use the support hand to break and control the grip attempt.