Firearms and Subject Control Flashcards

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:

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.