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 legal standard is used to determine whether a Protective Service Officer's use of force was reasonable?
Answer: The perspective of a reasonable officer under the same circumstances
Courts apply the 'reasonable officer' standard from Graham v. Connor, evaluating force based on what a reasonable officer would have done under the same circumstances.
Which best describes the 'use of force continuum'?
Answer: A progressive series of force options escalating from least to most severe
The use of force continuum is a framework presenting escalating force options that correspond to a suspect's level of resistance or threat.
When is the use of deadly force legally justified for a Protective Service Officer?
Answer: When there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or others
Deadly force is only justified when there is a clear and imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or another person.
Which Supreme Court case established the constitutional standard for evaluating law enforcement use of force?
Answer: Graham v. Connor (1989)
Graham v. Connor (1989) established that use of force claims must be analyzed under the Fourth Amendment's objective reasonableness standard.
What does 'de-escalation' mean in the context of Protective Service Officer use of force?
Answer: Using communication and other techniques to reduce tension and avoid unnecessary force
De-escalation involves using verbal communication, distance, and other tactics to reduce the need for physical force.
After using force on a suspect, what is typically the officer's first required action?
Answer: Notify supervisors and document the incident in a use of force report
Officers are required to immediately notify supervisors and complete a use of force report to ensure accountability and agency review.
What is the 'plus-one' or 'one-up' principle in use of force?
Answer: Officers may use force one level above what a suspect is using against them
The plus-one principle means officers are permitted to use a level of force one step above what the suspect is applying to maintain tactical control.