Use of Force Policies Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI 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 Policies flashcards as text
Under a typical use of force continuum, which level of force is appropriate when a subject is passively resistant but not physically threatening?
Answer: Soft empty-hand control techniques
Passive resistance calls for soft empty-hand control such as escort holds or compliance techniques, not escalated force.
Which legal standard established by the U.S. Supreme Court governs whether an officer's use of force was constitutional?
Answer: Objective reasonableness
Graham v. Connor (1989) established the objective reasonableness standard, evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.
What is the primary purpose of a written use of force policy in an agency or organization?
Answer: To establish guidelines ensuring force is lawful, necessary, and proportional
A written use of force policy guides personnel to apply force that is lawful, necessary, and proportional to the threat presented.
Which factor is NOT typically considered when evaluating whether use of force was reasonable?
Answer: The officer's personal feelings about the subject
Graham v. Connor factors focus on objective circumstances, not an officer's personal feelings or biases.
When documenting a use of force incident, an inspector reviewing reports should verify that the narrative includes which of the following?
Answer: Specific behaviors that justified each level of force used
A complete use of force report must articulate the specific subject behaviors that justified each escalation level.
Which term describes a policy that requires officers to use the least amount of force necessary to achieve a lawful objective?
Answer: Proportionality requirement
The proportionality requirement directs that force used must be commensurate with the threat and no greater than necessary.
An inspector reviewing a department's use of force policy finds it lacks a requirement to render aid after a use of force incident. This is best classified as:
Answer: A critical policy deficiency that may violate constitutional standards
Failure to render aid after applying force may constitute deliberate indifference and violate the Fourteenth Amendment.