Force Continuum
What is officer presence?
This is the lowest level of the force continuum, where an officer's uniform and professional demeanor alone may prevent problems
What is Graham v. Connor?
This 1989 Supreme Court case established the 'objectively reasonable' standard for use of force.
What is pepper spray (or OC spray)?
This weapon uses oleoresin capsicum to cause temporary blindness, difficulty breathing, and intense burning.
What is the primary tool for deadly force?
Firearms.
What is de-escalation?
This is the practice of using verbal and non-verbal techniques to reduce tension and avoid or minimize use of force.
What are verbal commands?
This level involves giving clear, direct orders like 'Return to your cell NOW' and is where 95% of situations are resolved.
What is objectively reasonable?
This is the legal standard that asks: 'Would a reasonable officer in the same situation make the same decision
Name two less- than- lethal weapons
Baton, tear gas, handcuffs, CS gas, etc.
T / F According to Tennessee v. Garner (1985), officers can shoot any fleeing suspect to prevent their escape.
False
In the LEAPS model, the 'L' stands for this?
Listen
What is empty-hand control?
This level includes both soft techniques like holds and escorts, and hard techniques like strikes and takedowns.
What is Tennessee v. Garner?
This 1985 Supreme Court case prohibits shooting fleeing suspects unless they pose a significant threat of death or serious harm.
What is a taser?
This electronic control device fires two probes that deliver electrical current to disrupt muscle control.
T / F Officers should always start at Level 1 (officer presence) and work their way up through each level before using deadly force.
False
What does LEAPS stand for?
Listen, Empathize, Ask, Paraphrase, and Summarize
What is minimum force necessary?
According to the force continuum, officers should use this principle, meaning only the amount of force needed to gain control, then stop.
What is civil liability?
In this type of liability, an inmate sues for money damages under Section 1983 for violating constitutional rights.
What are the five levels of the use of force continuum?
Officer presence, verbal commands, empty-hand control, less- than weapons, and deadly force
What is the Attica Prison Riot?
This 1971 prison incident resulted in 43 deaths when officers shot into crowds where hostages and inmates were mixed, teaching corrections the dangers of uncontrolled deadly force.
What is verbal de-escalation?
Speaking calmly and clearly instead of yelling is an example of this technique.
True or False: Officers must always start at Level 1 and work their way up through each level before using deadly force.
(Officers can skip levels if the situation requires immediate higher force)
What is Hudson v. McMillian?
This Supreme Court case established that malicious use of force violates the 8th Amendment even if injuries are minor, because intent matters more than injury severity.
What is less-than-lethal?
This term means 'designed to incapacitate without causing death' but does NOT mean 'non-lethal' or 'safe' - people can still die from these weapons
True or False Police officers can have PTSD
True
Hardest QUESTION!
FREE 500 POINTS ( HAHA)