Use of Force Flashcards
7 cards from real ACT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Use of Force flashcards as text
When a suspect flees after committing a non-violent misdemeanor, an Act 235 officer may:
Answer: Not use deadly force, as the threat does not justify it
Deadly force cannot be used to stop a fleeing non-violent misdemeanor suspect, as there is no imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.
The 'fleeing felon' rule established in Tennessee v. Garner permits deadly force when:
Answer: The suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others
Tennessee v. Garner holds that deadly force against a fleeing felon is only constitutional when the suspect poses a significant threat to life.
An Act 235-certified officer's authority to carry a lethal weapon applies:
Answer: Only within Pennsylvania and only while on duty at their assigned post
Act 235 certification is a Pennsylvania-specific credential that authorizes weapon carry only while on duty at the officer's assigned post.
Which situation would MOST clearly justify an Act 235 officer drawing but NOT firing their weapon?
Answer: An armed subject is still some distance away and has not yet advanced
Drawing a weapon without firing is appropriate when a potential deadly threat exists but has not yet become imminent enough to require firing.
Post-incident, an Act 235 officer involved in a shooting must:
Answer: Immediately notify law enforcement and follow their agency's reporting protocol
After any use-of-force incident involving a firearm, the officer must immediately notify law enforcement and comply with agency reporting requirements.
A subject who is mentally ill and waving a large knife does NOT pose an imminent deadly threat according to Act 235 guidelines. This statement is:
Answer: False, because the armed behavior itself can constitute an imminent deadly threat
Mental illness status does not negate a deadly threat; an armed, actively threatening subject can legally justify deadly force regardless of mental state.
Which of the following correctly describes a 'duty to intervene'?
Answer: An officer must stop or report another officer who is using clearly excessive force
The duty to intervene requires officers to stop or report colleagues who are applying clearly excessive or unlawful force.