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Use of Force Concepts Flashcards

7 cards from real TCOLE 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 Concepts flashcards as text

  1. Under the Graham v. Connor standard, which factor is NOT among the three primary considerations for evaluating use of force?

    Answer: The officer's personal feelings toward the suspect

    Graham v. Connor established three factors: crime severity, immediate threat to officers/others, and active resistance or flight — personal feelings are irrelevant.

  2. What is the legal standard for use of force by law enforcement officers under the Fourth Amendment?

    Answer: Objective reasonableness

    The Fourth Amendment requires objective reasonableness, judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.

  3. When is an officer justified in using deadly force to prevent a fleeing suspect's escape under Tennessee v. Garner?

    Answer: When the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of serious physical harm

    Tennessee v. Garner limits deadly force to situations where the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm to officers or others.

  4. Which principle requires officers to use the least amount of force necessary to control a situation?

    Answer: Force proportionality

    Force proportionality requires that the level of force used be proportionate to the threat presented and no greater than necessary.

  5. A suspect is handcuffed and subdued on the ground but continues to spit at officers. What level of force is generally appropriate?

    Answer: A spit mask or shield

    A spit mask is a reasonable, proportionate response to spitting from a restrained subject as it controls the behavior without escalating force.

  6. What does 'de-escalation' mean in the context of use of force?

    Answer: Using techniques to reduce the need for or level of force required

    De-escalation involves communication, time, and tactical repositioning to reduce tension and minimize the need for physical force.

  7. Which of the following best describes 'totality of circumstances' in use of force analysis?

    Answer: All facts and circumstances known to the officer at the moment of force are evaluated

    Courts examine all facts and circumstances known to the officer at the exact moment force was used, not hindsight information.