Firearms Training & Use of Force Techniques Flashcards

The concept of 'disparity of force' in a use-of-force analysis refers to:

Answer: A situation where a size, strength, age, or skill difference makes an unarmed subject capable of causing serious bodily injury

Disparity of force exists when physical differences (size, strength, fighting skill, numbers) give an unarmed subject the ability to inflict serious bodily injury, potentially justifying a higher force response.

What does DCJS require regarding the use of chokeholds or lateral vascular neck restraints (LVNR) by Virginia law enforcement officers?

Answer: Their use is restricted or prohibited except when deadly force is authorized, depending on agency policy and Virginia law

Virginia law and DCJS guidance have significantly restricted neck restraints — most agencies prohibit them except in deadly force situations, reflecting legislative changes post-2020.

An officer fires two rounds at a subject who then falls. The officer should next:

Answer: Assess the threat status, scan for additional threats, and issue commands before approaching

After firing, officers are trained to assess whether the threat is neutralized, scan for additional threats, and issue verbal commands before closing distance on the subject.

Which of the following best describes 'excited delirium syndrome' and its significance during use-of-force encounters?

Answer: A medical emergency characterized by extreme agitation, elevated body temperature, and superhuman strength that increases in-custody death risk

Excited delirium is a recognized medical emergency involving extreme agitation, hyperthermia, and apparent insensitivity to pain, creating elevated risk of cardiac arrest and in-custody death.

When conducting vehicle stops at night, where should the officer position their flashlight beam relative to a subject who may be armed?

Answer: At the subject's hands and waistband — the areas most likely to produce a weapon

During a potentially dangerous contact, the officer should illuminate the subject's hands and waistband because weapons are produced from those areas.

What does the term 'administrative handling' refer to in firearms safety?

Answer: The deliberate, slow, and careful manipulation of a firearm for loading, unloading, or inspection in a controlled environment

Administrative handling refers to the intentional, careful, and slow manipulation of a firearm — such as loading, unloading, or clearing — performed in a controlled, low-stress environment.

Which factor most directly distinguishes 'active resistance' from 'assaultive behavior' on a use-of-force continuum?

Answer: Active resistance involves a subject physically preventing control without attacking; assaultive behavior involves actions likely to cause bodily harm to the officer

Active resistance is physical non-compliance that prevents the officer from gaining control but does not constitute an attack, while assaultive behavior involves actions that are likely to result in bodily injury to the officer.