Police Use of Deadly Force

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Questions and Answers

According to the Directive, what is the Department's guiding principle when using force?

Maximum use of force

Indifference towards human life

Immediate use of force

Reverence for human life (correct)

When can officers use deadly force, according to the Directive?

When they are provoked

When they reasonably believe it is necessary in defense of human life (correct)

Whenever they want

When they are in danger

What must officers attempt to do before using force, according to the Directive?

Use time, distance, communication, and available resources to de-escalate the situation (correct)

Seek approval from their superiors

Use force as a first response

Nothing, they can use force immediately

According to the text, how should the reasonableness of a particular use of force be judged?

From the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why is the test of reasonableness not capable of precise definition or mechanical application?

Because the amount of force necessary in a particular situation can vary Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, how does the Department examine all uses of force?

From an objective standard Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, when can officers use force?

Only when they have reasonable grounds to believe the person is aware of their authority Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what factors are used to determine the reasonableness of force?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what should officers do if they determine that the use of deadly force is not necessary?

Secure or holster the firearm Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, when should officers draw or exhibit a firearm?

Whenever they believe it may be necessary to use the firearm Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the definition of 'Excessive Force'?

Force that is found to have violated Section 835(a) of the California Penal Code Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the definition of 'Necessary'?

Force that is beyond that which is necessary, as determined by an objectively reasonable officer Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, when should an officer intercede when excessive force is observed?

When the officer believes the force is beyond that which is necessary Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the definition of 'Imminent'?

A present ability, opportunity, and apparent intent to immediately cause death or serious bodily injury Signup and view all the answers

According to the policy, when can an officer use deadly force?

To defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or to another person, or to apprehend a fleeing person for any felony Signup and view all the answers

When determining whether deadly force is necessary, what should officers consider?

Each situation in light of the particular circumstances of each case Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can warning shots be used?

Only in exceptional circumstances where it might reasonably be expected to avoid the need to use deadly force Signup and view all the answers

When can firearms be discharged at a moving vehicle?

Whenever a person in the vehicle is immediately threatening the officer or another person with deadly force Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Guiding Principle for Force

The guiding principle is that force should only be used as a last resort, when other less intrusive methods have failed, and it is considered reasonable and necessary.

Deadly Force

Deadly force can only be used when an officer reasonably believes an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury exists to themselves or another
If the threat is not imminent, officers should use less-than-lethal force alternatives.

Officer Actions Before Force

Officers must attempt to de‑escalate the situation and use alternative methods to control the situation before resorting to force.
When possible, officers should give a clear and firm warning prior to the use of force.

Reasonableness of Force

The reasonableness of any particular use of force is judged based on the totality of the circumstances, considering the actions of the subject and the officer's perception of the threat.
The test of reasonableness is not capable of any precise definition or mechanical application, as each situation is unique and dynamic.

Department Examination of Force

The Department examines all uses of force to ensure they were justified and reasonable.

When Force is Allowed

Force can be used when an officer reasonably believes it is necessary to:
- Control a suspect to prevent injury to themselves or others;
- Prevent the escape of a suspect;
- Make an arrest; or
- Protect themselves or others from imminent harm.

Factors Determining Force Reasonableness

Factors to determine reasonableness:
- The severity of the crime
- Whether someone is posing an imminent threat
- Whether someone is actively resisting arrest
- The subject's size and strength
- The number of officers present
- The availability of cover and concealment
- The proximity of the subject to weapons
- The presence of other people in the area

Alternative to Deadly Force

If an officer determines that deadly force is not necessary, they should utilize less-lethal methods and alternatives.

Drawing or Exhibiting a Firearm

Officers should only draw or exhibit a firearm when they reasonably believe a threat of death or serious bodily injury exists.

Excessive Force

Excessive Force is the use of force that is more than reasonably necessary to achieve the lawful objective.

Necessary Force

Necessary force is any force that is reasonable and proportionate to the threat, considering the totality of the circumstances.

Officer Intervention

An officer should intervene when excessive force is used by another officer, or when the officer believes that another officer is using excessive force.

Imminent Threat

Imminent is defined as 'threats that are about to happen' and should be evaluated with the totality of the circumstances.

Policy on Deadly Force

Deadly force is only authorized when an officer reasonably believes that subject poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer, the officer's fellow officers, or others.

Considerations for Deadly Force

When determining whether deadly force is necessary, officers should consider:
- The severity of the crime
- Whether the subject poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury
- Whether the subject is actively resisting arrest, trying to escape, or is attempting to use force to inflict serious harm
- The presence of weapons
- The proximity to the subject
- The number of officers and subjects

Warning Shots

Warning shots are generally prohibited.
They are only acceptable when a subject is believed to be actively shooting at an officer or threatening others with a weapon, and other less-lethal force options are not available or ineffective.
Shots fired into the air are considered unsafe and should be avoided at all costs.

Firing at a Moving Vehicle

Firearms should not be discharged at a moving vehicle unless the vehicle is being used as a weapon.
It is considered extremely dangerous for officers to directly fire at a moving vehicle and could result in the fatal shooting of innocent people.

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Description

Quiz: Understanding Police Use of Deadly Force Policies Test your knowledge on police use of deadly force policies with this informative quiz. Learn about the circumstances under which officers are authorized to use deadly force and the criteria they must consider. Brush up on the legal principles surrounding the use of force and enhance your understanding of law enforcement practices.