Chapter 15: The Use of Force

Question 1

From the chapter, what type of incidents demonstrated the most use of force?

Answer 1

Traffic stops, disturbance calls, felony arrests and domestic violence reports.

Question 2

According to The US Supreme Court, Federal and State courts what is the definition of “Non-Deadly Force”?

Answer 2

any use of force other than which is considered deadly force, including any physical effort used to control or restrain another or to overcome a resistance of another.

Question 3

According to The US Supreme Court, Federal and State courts what is the definition of “Deadly Force”?

Answer 3

any use of force that is reasonably likely to cause death or serious bodily harm.

Question 4

According to The US Supreme Court, Federal and State courts what is the definition of “Lethal Force”?

Answer 4

any action that causes death or that is likely to cause death.

Question 5

According to The US Supreme Court, Federal and State courts what is the definition of “Excessive Force”?

Answer 5

force that goes beyond what is usually necessary or proper, and should be considered to be an inordinate, extreme kind of action.

Question 6

According to The US Supreme Court, Federal and State courts what is the definition of “Objectively Reasonable”?

Answer 6

is the standard determining the necessity for force and the appropriate level of force. Officers must evaluate each situation in the light of the known circumstances, seriousness of the crime, the level of threat or resistance by the subject to the officer and the threat to the community.

Question 7

In Tennessee v. Garner for shooting a fleeing suspect what is the Supreme Court ruling?

Answer 7

deadly force on a fleeing felon who the officer reasonably believes the suspect will cause death or serious bodily injury to others if not captured/seized.

Question 8

With the use of department authorized force techniques what situations can officers use non-deadly force?

Answer 8

To protect themselves or others from physical harm, to control an unlawful situation and to bring an unlawful situation under control safely and effectively.

Question 9

In the Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor what guideline for force came out of the decision?

Answer 9

The use of force continuum. What “reasonable” use of force or least effective use of force to be used.

Question 10

What factors to using reasonable force from Graham v. Connor should officers consider on the appropriate and proportionate level of force to use?

Answer 10

1) Severity of the crime. 2) Whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of officers or others. 3) Whether the suspect is actively resisting, 4) Attempting to evade arrest at that time.