Police use of force
What is deadly force according to the FBI?
According to the FBI, deadly force is using things like guns or other weapons in a way that could easily cause death or seriously hurt someone.
What is the main purpose of less-lethal weapons?
Less-lethal weapons are made to stop suspects without killing them.
True/False: Individual Officers are forced to arrest someone even if its a small minor violation like jaywalking or small disturbances.
False
What does PERF stand for?
Police Executive Research Forum
Definition of excessive force
Application of excessive amount, frequency, or force to ensure compliance from a subject, whether willing or unwilling.
What was the old rule about police using deadly force on fleeing suspects?
Police used to be able to use deadly force on anyone running away after a crime, even if the person wasn’t a threat
When did police start using tools like tasers, pepper spray, and rubber bullets?
Police began using these tools in the late 1980s.
Who decides whether to arrest someone, give a warning, or handle a situation informally?
Individual officers
Fill in the Blank
_________ procedures are often perceived as biased, but are required for effective law enforcement.
standard
Definition of problem police officers
A law enforcement officer shows problem behavior through many citizen complaints and use-of-force incidents.
When did the Supreme Court change the rules about deadly force?
In 1985, the Supreme Court made a new rule about when police can use deadly force.
Name three examples of newer less-lethal weapons.
Nets, sticky foam, and energy devices.
What does it mean that officers handle situations "informally"?
They deal with problems by talking to people instead of making arrests
To conduct an investigative stop, there must be?
Additional credible information
When are officers trained to use force?
Officers are trained to use force in various situations throughout their careers.
Under the current rule, when can police use deadly force?
Police can only use deadly force if the person is truly dangerous and it is needed to keep people safe.
Are less-lethal weapons completely safe to use?
No, these weapons are meant to reduce deadly force, but they can still be dangerous.
What is often more important than what police department manuals say?
The decisions individual police officers make on the street
What do supervisors monitor to ensure there is no bias or discrimination in any interactions?
Activity reports, videos, and communications
What specific actions can be included in the use of force?
Force can include hitting, holding, pushing, choking, threatening with weapons, or using a police dog.
Can police use deadly force just because someone is trying to escape?
No, police cannot use deadly force just because someone is escaping. It has to be needed to keep people safe.
What happened in 2004 involving a less-lethal weapon?
A student died after being hit by a pepper-spray projectile during a crowd incident.
If a crime is very serious, is an officer more likely or less likely to arrest someone?
More likely to arrest someone
Who did the PERF survey to address racial biased policing?
Police executives and agency data