Practice Test GeeksPSO - Protective Service Officer Practice Test
← All PSO Flashcard Decks

Use of Force Flashcards

7 cards from real PSO 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

  1. Which factor is NOT typically considered when evaluating the reasonableness of force under Graham v. Connor?

    Answer: The number of years the officer has been employed

    Graham v. Connor identifies severity of crime, immediate threat, and active resistance as the key factors — an officer's years of service is not one of them.

  2. What is 'passive resistance' in terms of use of force assessment?

    Answer: Non-compliance without physical aggression, such as going limp or refusing to move

    Passive resistance involves non-compliance that lacks physical aggression, requiring a lower level of force response than active aggression.

  3. Which of the following is classified as 'less-lethal' force?

    Answer: Deploying OC (pepper) spray on a combative suspect

    OC spray is classified as less-lethal force because it is designed to temporarily incapacitate without typically causing death.

  4. What is the purpose of the 'totality of circumstances' test in use of force cases?

    Answer: To evaluate all relevant facts and conditions surrounding the force used together

    The totality of circumstances requires reviewing all relevant factors together rather than in isolation to determine if force was objectively reasonable.

  5. If a suspect stops resisting and is fully under control, what should the officer do regarding force?

    Answer: Immediately reduce or cease use of force since the threat has ended

    Force must be reduced or stopped once the threat is neutralized and the suspect is under control — continued force becomes excessive.

  6. Which type of force involves an officer using only their hands or body to control a suspect?

    Answer: Empty-hand control using physical techniques

    Empty-hand control refers to techniques like joint locks, takedowns, and body strikes that require no weapons or tools.

  7. What is 'excited delirium' and why is it relevant to use of force situations?

    Answer: A serious medical condition involving extreme agitation that increases risk of injury or death during restraint

    Excited delirium is a medical emergency characterized by extreme agitation and unpredictable behavior that creates serious risks during physical restraint.