Use Of Force Flashcards
What is the policy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department regarding the use of force?
Officers hold the highest regard for the dignity and liberty of all persons and place minimal reliance upon the use of force.
The department respects the sanctity of every human life, and deadly force is to be employed only in extreme circumstances.
Define de-escalation in the context of police use of force.
An officer’s actions to slow down, stabilize, and resolve an incident as safely as possible by reducing danger through verbal persuasion and tactics.
De-escalation aims to mitigate the use of force by addressing the situation calmly.
What is meant by ‘imminent threat’?
An impending violent act, harm, or resistance that will likely occur if not instantly confronted or addressed.
What are the levels of control in the Use of Force Model?
- Low-level force
- Intermediate force
- Deadly force
What does ‘objectively reasonable’ refer to in the context of police use of force?
An objective standard of force viewed from the perspective of a reasonable officer, based on the totality of the circumstances.
What is the recovery position?
The placement of a subject’s body in a manner that does not restrict breathing or obstruct the airway.
What constitutes substantial bodily injury?
An injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or results in prolonged loss or impairment of any body part.
Under what circumstances may officers use deadly force?
- Protect themselves or others from imminent threat of death or substantial bodily injury
- Prevent the escape of a fleeing felon who poses an imminent threat to human life
True or False: Officers are required to give a warning before using deadly force if feasible.
True
What must officers balance when determining the appropriateness of force?
The level of force used must balance against the level of resistance exhibited by the subject.
What is the significance of the Graham v. Connor (1989) standard?
It establishes the constitutional standard for the use of force by police, focusing on the reasonableness of the officer’s actions based on the circumstances.
What are some objective factors that affect the reasonableness of force?
(Graham V Conor, + additional 5)
- Severity of the crime
- Immediate threat to safety
- Active resistance or flight
- Influence of drugs/alcohol
- Time available to make a decision
- Availability of resources
- Proximity of weapons
- Environmental factors
What is the duty to intervene?
Any officer observing another using unreasonable force must intercede to prevent it and report the observation.
What should an officer do if they apply a use of force option that results in observable signs of injury?
Continuously monitor the subject and immediately summon medical attention.
Fill in the blank: The department will not retaliate against an employee who intervenes to stop unjustified use of _______.
force
What are the levels of resistance in police encounters?
- Compliant
- Obstructive
- Active resistance
- Aggressive
What should officers consider when developing a tactical plan prior to arriving at a scene?
Gather information, assess risks, assemble resources, and attempt to slow momentum.
What is the role of supervisors in managing officer responses to potentially violent encounters?
Supervisors ensure officers perform to a standard, coordinate tactical actions, and provide clear direction.
What actions should officers take when using force with a vehicle?
- Precision intervention technique (PIT)
- Ramming
What must be documented by the reporting officer after a use of force incident?
- Date, time, and location
- Identity and description of participants
- Actions taken as a result of the observation
What is the protocol for monitoring a subject after the application of force?
Monitor for signs of life and provide updates to medical personnel.
What is the best course of action for a subject who has been subjected to a use of force application if medical is taking too long?
Transport to the nearest medical facility if necessary.
What are the general categories of behavior exhibited by a subject during a police encounter?
Compliant, Obstructive, Assaultive, Life-Threatening
These categories help officers assess the level of resistance and determine appropriate response tactics.
Define ‘Compliant’ in the context of police encounters.
A person who acknowledges direction or lawful orders given and offers no resistance.