SDPD - San Diego Police Department Use of Force Policy Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to San Diego Police Department Procedure 1.04, what is the Department's highest priority in the performance of their duties?

Accepted Answer

The recognition and respect for the value of human life.

Answer

Apprehension of criminal suspects.

Answer

The protection of property.

Answer

Enforcement of all city ordinances.

Question 2

An SDPD officer responds to a call about a person acting erratically in a park. The person is unarmed but shouting and not responding to verbal commands. According to SDPD's de-escalation policy (DP 1.55), which of the following actions should the officer prioritize, when safe and reasonable to do so?

Accepted Answer

Using time, distance, and communication to try and gain voluntary compliance.

Answer

Immediately moving in to physically restrain the individual to prevent escalation.

Answer

Drawing a firearm to ensure the subject remains stationary.

Answer

Ignoring the individual until they commit a specific crime.

Question 3

Which of the following actions by an SDPD officer constitutes a reportable use of force incident?

Accepted Answer

Pointing a firearm at a person to gain compliance.

Answer

Placing a compliant individual in handcuffs without resistance.

Answer

Verbally commanding a suspect to stop running.

Answer

The officer's mere presence at a scene.

Question 4

Under SDPD Procedure 1.56, 'Intervention Duties,' an officer who observes another officer using force that is 'clearly beyond that which is necessary' has a duty to do what?

Accepted Answer

Intervene to prevent the use of unreasonable force when in a position to do so.

Answer

Wait until the situation is over and then discuss it with the other officer.

Answer

Report the incident only if the subject files a complaint.

Answer

Discreetly record the incident on their body-worn camera for later review.

Question 5

An SDPD officer is pursuing a suspect who just committed a felony involving the threatened use of a firearm. The suspect is fleeing on foot and the officer reasonably believes the suspect is still armed. According to state law (incorporated into SDPD policy), when is the officer justified in using deadly force?

Accepted Answer

When the officer believes it is necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others.

Answer

As soon as the suspect begins to flee, regardless of other factors.

Answer

Only after firing a warning shot and giving a verbal warning.

Answer

Anytime a suspect is fleeing from a felony crime.

Question 6

When evaluating an officer's use of force, the SDPD policy aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court standard in Graham v. Connor. Which of the following is a central inquiry in determining if the force was 'objectively reasonable'?

Accepted Answer

Whether the officer's actions were reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances known to the officer at the scene.

Answer

The officer's subjective intent or motivation at the time.

Answer

The suspect's prior criminal history.

Answer

The outcome of the force application (e.g., severity of injury).