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Use of Force Principles Flashcards

7 cards from real TCOLE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Use of Force Principles flashcards as text

  1. Under the Graham v. Connor standard, which factor is NOT among those used to assess whether force was objectively reasonable?

    Answer: The officer's subjective intent or motivation

    Graham v. Connor requires an objective analysis from a reasonable officer's perspective, not the officer's subjective intent.

  2. When is an officer justified in using deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing felon in Texas?

    Answer: Only when the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others

    Tennessee v. Garner and Texas law limit deadly force on fleeing felons to situations where the suspect poses a significant threat of serious harm.

  3. Which legal standard governs excessive force claims brought under the Fourth Amendment against law enforcement officers?

    Answer: Objectively reasonable force

    Graham v. Connor established the 'objectively reasonable' standard under the Fourth Amendment for excessive force claims.

  4. A suspect spits on an officer after being handcuffed and secured. Which force response is MOST appropriate?

    Answer: Apply a spit mask or take cover to protect against biohazard

    A spit mask addresses the immediate biohazard threat without escalating force against a restrained suspect.

  5. Under TCOLE standards, an officer's duty to intervene applies when a fellow officer is:

    Answer: Using excessive force against a subject

    TCOLE and Texas law require officers to intervene when they witness another officer using clearly excessive or unlawful force.

  6. Which best describes the 'totality of circumstances' doctrine in use-of-force analysis?

    Answer: All facts and circumstances known to the officer at the moment of the decision are considered

    Courts evaluate all facts reasonably known to the officer at the time of the incident, not with the benefit of hindsight.

  7. Under Texas Penal Code, the defense of 'protection of third persons' allows an officer to use force when:

    Answer: The officer believes force is needed to protect a third person from unlawful force

    Texas Penal Code §9.33 allows use of force to protect a third person if the actor reasonably believes such intervention is immediately necessary.