Use of Force Principles Flashcards

Under the Graham v. Connor (1989) standard, the reasonableness of force is evaluated from the perspective of:

Answer: A reasonable officer on the scene at the time of the incident

Graham v. Connor established that force is judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer at the scene, with the information available at the time — not with 20/20 hindsight.

Which of the following best describes the principle of 'proportionality' in use of force?

Answer: The level of force used must be proportional to the threat presented

Proportionality requires that the force used be commensurate with the threat level — not that it must mirror the suspect's actions or always be minimum force.

Which of the following correctly describes 'totality of circumstances' in use-of-force analysis?

Answer: All facts known to the officer at the time of the use of force, considered together

Totality of circumstances requires that all facts and conditions known to the officer at the moment of force be considered together, not in isolation.

What does 'de-escalation' mean in the context of law enforcement use of force?

Answer: Using communication techniques and tactical patience to reduce the need for or level of force

De-escalation uses communication, distance, time, and tactical positioning to reduce the likelihood that force will be necessary or to minimize the level of force required.

A suspect is passively resisting an officer by going limp and refusing to move. The appropriate force level response is:

Answer: Soft empty-hand control techniques appropriate to passive resistance

Passive resistance (going limp, dead weight) is the lowest level of resistance and is met with the lowest level of force — soft empty-hand controls like guiding, supporting, and repositioning.

Which of the following is the most accurate statement about warning shots?

Answer: Most law enforcement agencies prohibit warning shots because they are dangerous and legally problematic

The vast majority of law enforcement agencies prohibit warning shots because the discharged round must land somewhere, creating a risk of injury to bystanders, and they create liability issues.