Use of Force Principles Flashcards

In Tennessee v. Garner (1985), the Supreme Court held that deadly force to stop a fleeing felon is constitutional only when:

Answer: The officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officer or others

Tennessee v. Garner held that officers may only use deadly force on a fleeing felon if they have probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury.

An officer uses a TASER on a suspect who is verbally arguing but has not made any physical movements toward the officer. This use of force is most likely:

Answer: Unjustified — TASER is not appropriate for verbal non-compliance without a physical threat

Electronic control weapons (TASER) are intermediate force tools — they are not appropriate for verbal non-compliance that presents no physical threat.

When an officer uses force, they must document the force by:

Answer: Completing a use-of-force report that specifically documents the suspect's behavior and the force applied

Most agencies require written use-of-force reports for any application of force beyond mere officer presence — documentation protects both the officer and ensures accountability.

Which agency policy element is most important for ensuring consistent and constitutional use-of-force practices?

Answer: Clear policy definitions, training, supervision, and review of all use-of-force incidents

Consistent constitutional force practices require clear policy, thorough training, active supervision, and systematic review of all use-of-force incidents to identify problems early.

What does the 'objective reasonableness' standard under Graham v. Connor NOT consider?

Answer: The officer's subjective fear or personal bias

Graham v. Connor uses an objective standard — what a reasonable officer would do — NOT the specific officer's subjective fear, bias, or personal motivations.

Which of the following is an example of lawful use of deadly force under established constitutional standards?

Answer: An officer shoots an armed suspect who has pointed a gun at the officer and bystanders

An armed suspect who has pointed a gun at the officer and bystanders presents an immediate, specific, lethal threat — lethal force is constitutionally justified in this circumstance.