[CJ] Chapter 8: Police Use of Force

Question 1

Deadly Physical Force

Answer 1

Is the degree of force readily capable of causing death or serious injury.

Question 2

New York Penal Law

Answer 2

States that police officers should use only as much physical force as they reasonably believe necessary to make an arrest to prevent a person’s escape from custody or to defend themselves from the use of physical force by another.

Question 3

What must a victim prove for the charge of brutality against the police?

Answer 3

They must establish the unreasonableness of the action by demonstrating that the officer was reckless or used unnecessary force in the particular situation.

Question 4

How much physical force can a police officer use?

Answer 4

As much as he reasonably believes to be necessary to–
a) make an arrest; OR
b) prevent a person’s escape from custody; OR
c) defend himself from the use of physical force by another.

Question 5

When can a police officer use deadly force?

Answer 5

The primary circumstances are when–
a) the officer reasonably believes that such force is necessary to protect herself or another person from imminent use of deadly force; OR
b) it is necessary to prevent the crime of kidnapping, arson, burglary or escape; OR
c) the officer reasonably believes that a suspect has committed a felony, that they is trying to escape from custody, and that s/he is armed with a deadly weapon.

Question 6

When is a police officer guilty of harassment?

Answer 6

a) When the officer intends to harass, annoy or alarm another person; AND
b) the officer–
1] strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise make physical contact (or attempts or threatens to do so) with the person; OR
2] publicly uses abusive or obscene language (or makes an obscene gesture).