LD 20 Use of Force

Question 1

Serious Bodily Injury PC 243

Answer 1

A serious impairment of physical condition, including, but not limited to, the following:

• loss of consciousness
• concussion
• bone fracture
• protracted loss or impairment of function of any bodily member or organ
• a wound requiring extensive suturing -serious disfigurement

Question 2

Deadly Force

Answer 2

Law enforcement officers are authorized to use deadly force to

1. Protect themselves or others from what is reasonably believed to be an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury
2. Prevent a crime where the subjects actions place people in imminent jeopardy of death or serious bodily injury
3. Prevent the escape of a violent fleeing felon when there is probable cause to believe the escape will pose a significant threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others if apprehension is delayed.

Question 3

Drawing or Exhibiting Firearms

Answer 3

An officers decision to draw or exhibit a firearm should be based on the tactical situation and the officers reasonable belief there is a substantial risk that the situation may escalate to the point where deadly force may be justified. When an officer has determined that the use of deadly force is not necessary, the officer shall, as son as practicable, secure or holster the firearm.

Question 4

Objectively reasonable

Answer 4

The force must be reasonable under the circumstances known to the officer at the time the force was used. Therefor, the department examines all uses of force from an objective standard rather than a subjective standard.