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
What does 'proportionality' mean in the context of Protective Service Officer use of force?
Answer: Using only the amount of force necessary to control the situation and no more
Proportionality means force must be necessary and appropriate to the actual threat level — not more than required to gain control.
Which scenario would most clearly justify the use of deadly force by a Protective Service Officer?
Answer: A suspect pointing a loaded firearm at unarmed bystanders in a public area
A suspect actively pointing a firearm at bystanders presents a clear, imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm justifying deadly force.
What is the primary purpose of use of force policies for Protective Service Officers?
Answer: To provide guidelines that protect both officers and the public while enabling effective law enforcement
Use of force policies are designed to balance officer safety and effectiveness with protecting public safety and civil rights.
Which action constitutes 'excessive force' by a Protective Service Officer?
Answer: Continuing to strike a handcuffed suspect who has stopped resisting entirely
Striking a handcuffed, non-resisting suspect serves no legitimate law enforcement purpose and is clearly disproportionate — it constitutes excessive force.
How must an officer's perception of threat be evaluated in use of force decisions?
Answer: It must be objectively reasonable based on the facts and circumstances known at the time
Courts require that an officer's threat perception be based on objectively reasonable interpretations of the facts available at the moment force was used.
What did Tennessee v. Garner (1985) establish regarding use of deadly force?
Answer: It prohibited using deadly force to stop a fleeing, non-dangerous felon
Tennessee v. Garner ruled that deadly force cannot be used to stop a fleeing felon unless they pose a significant threat of death or serious injury to others.
Which best describes 'active aggression' within the use of force continuum?
Answer: A suspect physically attacking the officer or another person with direct force
Active aggression involves direct physical attacks or assaults that justify a higher level of force response from the officer.