Use Of Force Flashcards
What should officers attempt before resorting to force?
Verbal commands, de-escalation, and presence when feasible
This approach aims to minimize the need for force.
Officers will NOT use force for which reason?
To retaliate or punish a subject
Force should not be used as a means of punishment.
The primary goal of the Use of Force Policy is:
To minimize force while ensuring public and officer safety
This policy emphasizes safety over aggressive tactics.
Deadly force should only be used when:
The suspect poses an imminent deadly threat
This is a strict criterion for the use of deadly force.
Officers should NOT escalate a situation when:
The subject is compliant and nonviolent
Escalation is inappropriate in non-threatening situations.
If an officer observes another officer using excessive force, they must:
Intervene if possible and report the incident
Officers have a duty to act against excessive force.
Officers must use only the amount of force that is:
Objectively reasonable and proportional to the threat
This standard helps prevent excessive use of force.
Officers will NOT use firearms for:
Warning shots
Warning shots are not an acceptable use of firearms.
When should an officer de-escalate?
When the threat level decreases
De-escalation is appropriate as situations calm.
Officers must NOT use force to:
Punish a suspect for running away
Force should not be used as punishment.
Officers are required to use de-escalation techniques when:
It is safe and feasible to do so
This ensures safety while managing encounters.
Officers will NOT use force against an individual who:
Is compliant and following lawful orders
Compliance indicates no need for force.
Before using force, an officer should attempt to:
Issue clear and direct verbal commands
Clear communication can prevent the need for force.
Officers should use crisis intervention techniques when dealing with:
A person experiencing a mental health crisis
Specialized techniques are necessary for mental health situations.
What is an example of proper de-escalation?
Using time and distance to reduce tension
Effective de-escalation focuses on calming the situation.
Officers must announce their intent to arrest when:
It is safe and feasible to do so
Announcing intent can help manage the situation.
Officers should NOT use a Taser on:
A handcuffed subject who is not fighting
Using a Taser on compliant individuals is inappropriate.
Deadly force is justified only when:
A suspect poses an imminent deadly threat
This ensures deadly force is a last resort.
If a suspect complains of injury after force is used, officers must:
Request medical attention immediately
Addressing medical needs is critical after using force.
Officers must report a use of force incident:
By the end of their shift
Timely reporting is essential for accountability.
Officers must reassess their use of force:
b) Continuously throughout the incident
Officers should transition to a lower level of force when:
a) The subject is no longer resisting or posing a threat