Firearms & Defensive Tactics Flashcards

After a shooting incident, MPOETC guidelines recommend that officers should NOT clean their hands of gunshot residue (GSR) before:

Answer: Being swabbed by investigators

GSR can be collected as evidence; officers should preserve their hands until investigators have the opportunity to swab them for forensic analysis.

Which malfunction requires locking the slide back, removing the magazine, cycling the slide multiple times, and inserting a fresh magazine—known as a 'rip-rack-roll' or Type 3 clearance?

Answer: Double feed

A double feed jams two rounds at the chamber and cannot be cleared by tapping; the magazine must be stripped out and the rounds dislodged by repeated slide cycling.

In defensive tactics, the 'OODA loop' model (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is important because it:

Answer: Describes how individuals process information and take action, and how disrupting it creates a tactical advantage

Understanding the OODA loop helps officers take actions that disrupt a threat's decision cycle, gaining a tactical edge by acting before the suspect can react.

What is the minimum frequency for firearm qualification required to maintain MPOETC Act 120 certification?

Answer: Every six months (semi-annually)

MPOETC requires Act 120-certified officers to qualify with their duty firearm at least semi-annually (twice per year) to maintain certification.

Which ready position keeps the handgun drawn and pointed at the ground in front of the officer's feet, suitable when a threat is not yet confirmed?

Answer: Low ready

The low ready position keeps the firearm drawn with the muzzle depressed toward the ground, allowing the officer to quickly raise and engage while avoiding muzzling bystanders.

When applying a wrist lock (come-along) to control a resistant subject, where should the officer's primary leverage be directed?

Answer: Against the natural direction of wrist flexion/extension

Wrist locks exploit the wrist's limited range of motion by applying pressure contrary to its natural flexion or extension, creating pain compliance with minimal injury risk.

Pennsylvania's Deadly Force statute (18 Pa.C.S. § 508) permits a law enforcement officer to use deadly force to prevent escape only when:

Answer: The officer believes the suspect poses a threat of death or serious bodily injury to others if not apprehended

Under § 508 and the Tennessee v. Garner standard, deadly force to prevent escape is only lawful when the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury.