Legal Use of Force & State Laws Flashcards
7 cards from real ASO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Legal Use of Force & State Laws flashcards as text
A security officer who continues to strike a suspect after the suspect is handcuffed and no longer resisting is MOST likely guilty of:
Answer: Excessive force and potential criminal assault
Striking a restrained, non-resisting suspect is excessive force and can constitute criminal assault or battery.
Which of the following BEST explains why security officers must document use-of-force incidents thoroughly?
Answer: To create an accurate record that justifies the force and protects against false claims
Thorough documentation creates an accurate, contemporaneous record that can legally justify the force used and refute false allegations.
The 'fleeing felon rule' as modified by Tennessee v. Garner holds that deadly force to stop a fleeing suspect is only justified when:
Answer: The suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officer or others
Tennessee v. Garner limits deadly force against fleeing felons to situations where the suspect poses a significant threat of serious harm.
When a security officer is acting as an agent of law enforcement (e.g., working under police direction), their use-of-force actions may be subject to:
Answer: Constitutional standards applicable to government actors under Section 1983
When private security acts as a state agent, constitutional use-of-force standards and Section 1983 civil rights liability may apply.
Which of the following is an example of a 'verbal judo' technique that may reduce the need for physical force?
Answer: Using calm, empathetic language to de-escalate an agitated person
Verbal judo uses strategic, empathetic communication to defuse tension and gain voluntary compliance without physical force.
Under state law, a security officer who witnesses a felony in progress and makes a citizen's arrest must generally:
Answer: Detain the suspect with reasonable force and promptly summon law enforcement
A citizen's arrest authorizes temporary detention with reasonable force, after which law enforcement must be summoned promptly.
A state law requires armed security officers to carry their firearm qualification card while on duty. Failing to do so while armed is BEST described as:
Answer: A violation of state licensing law that could result in suspension or criminal charges
Many states require armed officers to carry proof of qualification on their person; failure to comply can result in disciplinary action or criminal charges.